HomeMy WebLinkAbout2.0 BOCC Staff Report 04.16.2001&-Ck-021111-1
(kvj)l�
(YlEE7ift) & `4114,1 0/
BOCC 4/2/01
PROJECT INFORMATION AND STAFF COMMENTS
REQUEST:
APPLICANT:
REPRESENTATIVE:
LOCATION:
SITE DATA:
A request for review of ae Permit to
allow t.i.. of 1.anPCt along he escarpmentaxid-talus
,slop id a Special Use Permit te-al4eva4 mbef-
ley
i -(w V___h-e763,,_�
e cAL
• •- • • •
James G. Diamanti, Jane Juliano, and Gregory
Diamanti
Louisiana-Pacific Corp.
About 12 miles southeast of New Castle, Co., along
Garfield Creek.
Timber covers approximately 1350 acres of the
1,480 acre property. Plan is to harvest roughly 600
acres.
ACCESS: I-70 to CR 335 (roughly 3 miles), to the end of CR
312 (roughly 12 miles).
None
None
WATER:
SEWER:
EXISTING ZONING:
RJL Resource Lands: Escarpment, Talus Slopes,
Gentle Slopes/Lower Valley Floor
SITE DESCRIPTION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSAL
Site Description: The request is for approval of a timber harvesting on about 600 of
1,480 acres, which is configured in two properties: one owned by James Diamanti, and
the other owned by the Diamanti family as a whole. The property is served by about 15
miles of County maintained roadways from I-70, which cross through the Garfield Creek
State Wildlife Area. No new access off the County Road is proposed. The subject area
lies along the northwest side of Sunlight Peak with elevations from 8,200 to 9,400 feet.
The harvest area lies within Aspen and Sub -Alpine Fir stands in the Garfield Creek
drainage. The topography ranges from gently sloping in the northern half (10-15%) to
1 of 12
•
steep in the southern half (30+% slopes). In addition to Garfield Creek, several
ephemeral areas exist on the property. One structure occupies the property.
Soils: The application states that, "the soil is heavy to boulders, and is not likely to be
rutted in normal conditions".
Road Construction: The only existing road on the tract is a rutted access road, which will
be repaired to accommodate truck traffic. The ruts will be graded and filled and culverts
and water bars will be installed. Jeep trails do exist on the property however, few are
suitable for reconstruction into logging roads. The application notes that the terrain lends
itself to ease of new road location meeting BMPs.
Wildlife/Vegetation: The application does not contain an analysis of wildlife that
currently inhabit the property. It states that the regeneration of aspen stands and
increased grass will provide browse for elk and deer. Buffer zones will be created in
accordance with BMPs along drainages, and will provide cover for wildlife, as will
moderate amounts of slash. The application further states that no operations will occur
during normal migration periods.
Timber: The application identifies three basic stand conditions on the tract: Aspen,
mixed Aspen and Subalpine Fir, and Subalpine Fir.
The Aspen is located on higher, drier sites. It is over mature and shows signs of false
tinder fungus, black canker, and root rot. The Aspen is expected to easily regenerate.
However, some areas will return to desirable semi open meadows.
The mixed Aspen and Subalpine Fir is located throughout the tract, but is most common
near ephemeral areas. The Aspen has a greater degree of disease, while the Fir is plagued
by dwarf mistletoe. The Fir is rapidly replacing the aspen, and rapid regeration of the
aspen is expected after the harvest.
The Subalpine Fir is located in the lower elevations, along the main watercourses and are
in the final stages of conversion, with very little Aspen. The Fir is heavily infected with
dwarf mistletoe, as are the younger generation. This timber is falling apart, is not likely
to produce a good future stand, and poses a fire hazard to the area. This unit also
contains small amounts of spruce
Proposed Silviculture: The objective of the timber harvest is to restore the land to forest
conditions found 30-40 years ago with more grass, open areas, with healthy, young aspen
and without diseased Subalpine Fir. Other objectives include reducing fire danger,
2 of 12
• •
improving wildlife habitat, maintaining aesthetics, preserve water quality, and provide
income to the landowner.
The Aspen will be clear cut coinciding with the drainage pattern, with unit boundaries
governed by BMP guidelines. Limbing and topping of felled timber will be done in the
woods, and the slash will be scattered and lopped within 3 feet of the ground. This will
reduce the number and size of landing piles to be burned later. Whole tree skidding will
only be done if slash accumulation becomes a fire hazard, or is a detriment to
regeneration, in which case the slash will be piled for burning.
The mixed Aspen and Fir will be clear cut coinciding with the drainage pattern, with unit
boundaries governed by BMP guidelines. Much of the young generation will be slashed
in order to reduce the amount of Fir. Small clumps of Fir that have not been heavily
infected with mistletoe will be left for regeneration. Again, limbing and topping of felled
timber will be done in the woods, and the slash will be scattered and lopped. Whole tree
skidding will only be done if slash accumulation becomes a fire hazard, or is a detriment
to regeneration, in which case the slash will be piled for burning.
All diseased trees will be removed from the Subalpine Fir areas. Small clumps of
healthy Fir and young Aspen will be preserved, while mature Aspen will be clearcut to
promote regeneration. All spruce will be preserved, unless specifically marked for
cutting. In the stream management zones (SMZ's) will be selectively cut to remove all
diseased trees possible within the BMP guidelines, leaving sufficient cover to protect
water quality.
L.P. will subcontract the logging operations to contractors who will perform work as
defined in the "Timber Stumpage Sale Agreement".
Rehabilitation: The application states that the implementation of BMPs will ensure that
soil disturbance and water quality will be addressed on an on-going basis. Cut areas will
resprout naturally. Closure and rehabilitation areas of activity is covered in the contract
provisions. The schedule of operations states that, "Final closure of the road accessing
the tract will consist of final grading, drainage, and application of grass seed... [which]
shall be accomplished in a timely manner following completion of harvest operations.".
The "Scope of Work" states that closure of roads shall consist of grading, installing
waterbars, spreading slash over portions of the surface, and grass seeding. Roads
remaining open will graded, waterbarred, and seeded to grass.
Hauling Route: The haul route is from the top of the sale area to CR 312 , to CR 335, to
I-70. Most of the route is over dirt and gravel roads. Warning signs will be posted along
3 of 12
• •
the route to notify the public of truck traffic. The application states that they will adhere
to an 80,000 pound weight limit.
Wildfire: One of the objectives of the operation is to reduce the risk of wildfire. The
application notes that all logging crews are instructed as to fire prevention and
suppression methods. All contract operations will keep a bulldozer on site for road
construction, which is adequate for fire suppression in most instances.
Schedule: Road layout and construction is anticipated in June of 2001, as conditions
permit. SMZ's and "leave areas" will be flagged concurrently. Once completed, logging
will commence (about July 1, 2001). Logging will continue through the year until winter
conditions become prohibitive (usually around February 15th). Logging will resume in
June of 2002, and possibly June of 2003. Contractual agreements call for all logging to
be completed by October 1, 2003. The proposed hours of operation are from 7 a.m. to 5
p.m. on weekdays, with hauling concluding by 3 p.m., and occasionally on weekends if
"unforeseen events make it necessary".
II. REVIEW AGENCIES AND PUBLIC COMMENT
This application was sent to the following review agencies/departments:
1. Soil Conservation District: 5eertigN, . t3p W" b po"St
2. Town of New Castle: See page t',_.
3. Burning Mountain Fire Protection District: . O ele Spor+ti.c...
4. Colorado Division of Wildlife: See page 15 . Notes that current habitat includes a
number of mammal and avian species and that regeneration of aspen on north facing
slopes, as is proposed, is generally good. Many wildlife issues, such as migration and
forage, are addressed. The principle objective of the Garfield Creek State Wildlife Area
is maintaining a healthy ecosystem for elk. The plan does not address disturbance to elk
calving, which the Department is very concerned about. Calving occurs in late May,
peaks in early June, and ends in late June. The DOW believes that postponing operations
by one month, to July of each year, will have a significant beneficial effect.
5. Bureau of Land Management: See page IT. Has two principle concerns as an
adjacent property manager: trespass and rights-of-way. The BLM notes that
public/private boundaries should be surveyed to ensure no un -authorized encroachment,
and use of BLM roads, or crossing of BLM la ds, will require the necessary permits.
6. Garfield County Road & Bridge: See page' 0. Has submitted a road maintenance
agreement for CR 312.
7. Garfield County Engineer: r.Lj
8. Garfield County Vegetation Management: See page Requests a written
Vegetation Management Plan be submitted which provides for noxious weed
4of12
• •
management and revegetation, and encourages the applicant to follow BMP's for weed
prevention.
III. MAJOR ISSUES AND CONCERNS
A. Zoning: The site lies in the R/L Resource Lands zone district. Section 3.10 states that
extraction on the plateau, escarpment, and talus slopes requires a conditional use permit
and that extraction on the gentle slopes/lower valley floor require a special use permit.
Section Section 2.02.30 defines timber cutting as extraction, which is an industrial
operation. All industrial operations must meet the standards set forth in Section 5.03.07
and 5.03.08.
B. Conditional and Special Uses: Conditional Uses are subject to the standards set forth in
Section 5.03 of the Zoning Resolution:
(1)
Utilities adequate to provide water and sanitation service based on accepted
engineering standards and approved by the Environmental Health officer shall
either be in place or shall be constructed in conjunction with the proposed use;
The proposed operation has no need for fixed utilities. Water will be brought in daily.
(2) Street improvements adequate to accommodate traffic volume generated by the
proposed use and to provide safe, convenient access to the use shall either be in
place or shall be constructed in conjunction with the proposed use.
As long as roads are improved to the minimum standards for hauling, and the applicant
complies with the Road & Bridge Department's requirements, which include bonding for
maintenance and dust control, this should not be a concern.
(3)
Design of the proposed use is organized to minimize impact on and from adjacent
uses of land through installation of screen fences or landscape materials on the
periphery of the lot and by location of intensively utilized areas, access points,
lighting and signs in such a manner as to protect established neighborhood
character.
The application states that the only damage to abutting properties that might occur would
be through trespass. Trespass will be prevented by employing a licensed surveyor.
Cutting operations will occur right up to the property lines in places. In the past, the
Board of County Commissioners has limited the hours of operation from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
on weekdays in order to minimize impacts to neighbors.
5 of 12
• •
C. Industrial Operations: All industrial operations must meet the standards set forth in
Section 5.03.07 and 5.03.08. Section 5.03.07 states the following:
(1) The applicant for a permit for industrial operations shall prepare and submit to the
Planning Director ten (10) copies of an impact statement on the proposed use describing its
location, scope, design and construction schedule, including an explanation of its
operational characteristics. One (1) copy of the impact statement shall be filed with the
County Commissioners by the Planning Director. The impact statement shall address:
(A) Existing lawful use of water through depletion or pollution of surface run-off, stream
flow or ground water;
Use of water through depletion is not proposed. The application states that following BMP's
will ensure protection of water quality.
The impact statement shall address:
(B) Impacts on adjacent land from the generation of vapor, dust, smoke, noise, glare or
vibration, or other emanations;
The application states that due to the remote location of the project, none of the listed
emanations would adversely affect adjacent lands.
The impact statement shall address:
(C) Impacts on wildlife and domestic animals through the creation of hazardous attractions,
alteration of existing native vegetation, blockade of migration routes, use patterns or
other disruptions;
The application notes that browse for deer and elk will be enhanced and that migration
patterns will not be blocked. The DOW believes that postponing operations by one month,
to July of each year, will have a significant beneficial effect on elk calving, which they are
very concerned about.
The impact statement shall address:
(D) Affirmatively show the impacts of truck and automobile traffic to and from such uses and
their impacts to areas in the County;
The application states that warning signs will be posted and speed limits will be adhered to.
The impact statement shall address:
(E) That sufficient distances shall separate such use from abutting property
which might otherwise be damaged by operations of the proposed use(s);
The application states a surveyor will be employed to locate and mark property lines to
prevent trespass.
6of12
• •
The impact statement shall address:
(F) Mitigation measures proposed for all of the foregoing impacts identified and
for the standards identified in Section 5.03.08 of this Resolution
Mitigation will be accomplished through the BMP's, natural regeneration of aspen sprouts,
and closure and rehabilitation of areas of on site activity. Normal road maintenance is
expected to prevent the need for road repairs.
(2) Permits may be granted for those uses with provisions that provide adequate
mitigation for the following:
(A) A plan for site rehabilitation must be approved by the County Commissioners
before a permit for conditional or special use will be issued;
A site rehabilitation plan, in sufficient order and detail as described in Steve Anthony's
comments dated 4/2/01, shall be submitted to the Garfield County Vegetation Manager for
review and approval, and then shall be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners
prior to issuance of any permits.
(B) The County Commissioners may require security before a permit for special or
conditional use is issued, if required. The applicant shall furnish evidence of a bank
commitment of credit, bond, certified check or other security deemed acceptable by the
County Commissioners in the amount calculated by the County Commissioners to secure the
execution of the site rehabilitation plan in workmanlike manner and in accordance with the
specifications and construction schedule established or approved by the County
Commissioners. Such commitments, bonds or check shall be payable to and held by the
County Commissioners;
In the past, the Board of County Commissioners has required a separate $100,000.00 bond
for each logging operation to cover road maintenance and repair, rehabilitation, weed
management, and any other impacts caused by the use.
(C)Impacts set forth in the impact statement and compliance with the standards contained
in Section 5.03.08 of this Resolution. (A. 93-061)
Section 5.03.08 states the following:
Industrial Performance Standards: All industrial operations in the County shall comply
with applicable County, State, and Federal regulations regulating water, air and noise
pollution and shall not be conducted in a manner constituting a public nuisance or hazard.
Operations shall be conducted in such a manner as to minimize heat, dust, smoke, vibration,
glare and odor and all other undesirable environmental effects beyond the boundaries of the
property in which such uses are located, in accord with the following standards;
(1) Volume of sound generated shall comply with the standards set forth in the Colorado
Revised Statutes at the time any new application is made. (A. 93-061)
7 of 12
• •
The application notes that the equipment used on the operation complies with all
applicable statutes.
(2) Vibration generated: every use shall be so operated that the ground vibration
inherently and recurrently generated is not perceptible, without instruments, at any
point of any boundary line of the property on which the use is located;
The application states that no detectable vibrations will occur.
(3)
Emissions of smoke and particulate matter: every use shall be operated so as
to comply with all Federal, State and County air quality laws, regulations and
standards;
The application states that machinery complies with said standards. The applicant
should be aware that it will be necessary to acquire burn permits prior to burning any
materials on site.
(4) Emission of heat, glare, radiation and fumes: every use shall be so operated
that it does not emit heat, glare, radiation or fumes which substantially
interfere with the existing use of adjoining property or which constitutes a
public nuisance or hazard. Flaring of gases, aircraft warning signals,
reflective painting of storage tanks, or other such operations which may be
required by law as safety or air pollution control measures shall be exempted
from this provision;
The application states that no such emissions are known to occur with the proposed
operation, and thus will not extend to adjoining properties.
D. General Staff Comments: Staff's biggest concern is that rather than providing a
detailed plan, the application relies on referencing the BMP's in many cases. This may
cause enforcement of the plan to become more difficult for both the applicant and the
Board of County Commissioners, as the BMP's are general, not site specific, standards.
Specific concerns are as follows:
1. Access/Roads: Section 5.03.12 of the Garfield County Zoning Resolution states:
All conditional uses and special uses must be provided with access routes of
adequate design to accommodate traffic volume generated by the proposed use and
to provide safe, convenient access for the use constructed in conjunction to the
proposed use. The minimum design standards shall be the Garfield County Road
Specifications.
Rather than state specs for the newly constructed private roads, the application simply
refers to the BMP standards and states that new roads will be adequate for
8of12
• •
hauling.The total length of new roads to be constructed is not stated. According to
the CSFS on past permits, minimum haul standards are 14' wide, maximum 8-15 %
grade, dirt roads with gravel or shale deposits in areas, as needed.
2. Fire Protection: On past permits, operators have been required to keep a shovel and
fire extinguisher in each vehicle.
3. Schedule/Hours of Operation: In accordance with the DOW's comments,
commencement of operations should be prohibited until July of each year. On past
permits, operations have been prohibited on weekends.
4. Wildlife: As long as operations do not commence until July 1 of each year, staff
does not have a concern about impacts to wildlife.
Silviculture: Staff believes that slopes in excess of 50% should only be logged by
helicopter, as has been proposed on past permits, in order to protect against soil
erosion. If the applicant can not agree to this, logging on slopes 50%+ should be
prohibited in this permit and submitted in a separate application which has sufficient
soils information and sufficient road construction, drainage, and watershed protection
details.
6. Soils: The application does not contain any detailed soils information. The Rifle
Soil Survey seems to indicate that five major soils occupy the area of the property:
The Etoe Loam, 15-50% slopes (#25), the Lamphier Loam, 15-50% slopes (#42), and
to a lesser extent the Bucklon-Inchau Loams, 25-50% slopes (#12), the Cochetopa-
Jerry Complex, 12-25% slopes (#18), and the Cochetopa-Jerry Complex, 25-50%
slopes (#19).
The most predominant soil, the Lamphier Loam, 15-50% slopes (#42), has slow
surface runoff and slight erosion hazard. Surface runoff from snowmelt increases the
erosion hazard on cuts and fills. Seeding reduces the erosion hazard. The Soil
Survey notes that the soil is well suited to production of aspen but that steep slopes
affect harvesting, and special attention is needed to reduce soil loss during harvest.
The other predominant soil, the Etoe Loam, 15-50% slopes (#25), also has a slight
erosion hazard. This soil is used for timber and produces Englemann Spruce and
Douglas -Fir. The Soil Survey notes that steep slopes affect timber harvest, and
special care is needed to prevent erosion.
The erosion hazard on the Bucklon-Inchau Loams is severe while the erosion hazard
on the Cochetopa-Jerry Complexes are moderate. Staff believes that areas of the
9of12
�J �Jr
,DA)
•
zorn A
Bucklon-Inchau Loam should not be logged without a more detailed and definitive
plan which clearly mitigates the erosion hazard.
7. Rehabilitation: A specific revegetation plan and weed control plan is needed, as
called for by Steve Anthony, the Gar.Co. Vegetation Manager.
8. BMPs/Enforcement: The applicant should be aware that the Board of County
Commissioners, or their designee, is authorized to inspect the area for compliance
with the timber harvest plan, the BMP's, the special and conditional use permits, and
the hauling permits, and shall enforce the plan and permits as necessary.
IV. SUGGESTED FINDINGS
1.
That proper public notice was provided as required for the hearing before the Board of
County Commissioners.
2. That the hearing before the Board of County Commissioners was extensive and
complete, that all pertinent facts, matters and issues were submitted and that all
interested parties were heard at that meeting.
3. That for the above stated and other reasons, the proposed special and conditional use
permits have been shown to be in the best interest of the health, safety, morals,
convenience, order, prosperity and welfare of the citizens of Garfield County.
4. That the application is in conformance with the Garfield County Zoning Resolution of
1978, as amended.
V. RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends APPROVAL of the application for a conditional and a special use
permit with the following conditions on each permit:
That all representations made by the applicant in the application, timber harvest plan, or
at the public hearing shall be conditions of approval, unless specified otherwise by the
Board of County Commissioners.
Said representations include, but are not limited to:.
is S ;n
a) Best Management Practices (BMPs) shall be adhered to in all cases.
b) No operations will occur during normal migration periods.
c) Stream Management Zones (SMZ's) will be maintained and only selectively cut to
remove all diseased trees within BMP guidelines, leaving sufficient cover to protect
water quality.
d) The timber harvest will result in restoration of healthy, young aspen, improved
10of12
b -it)
• •
wildlife habitat, maintained aesthetics, and will preserve water quality.
e) Roads remaining open will be graded, waterbarred, and seeded. Final closure of
roads shall consist of grading, installing waterbars, spreading slash over portions of
the surface, and seeding with grass.
Warning signs to alert the public of truck traffic shall be posted as necessary.
A bulldozer will be kept on site for fire suppression purposes.
The property boundaries will be surveyed and flagged to prevent trespass.
All logging operations shall be completed by 10/1/03.
0
g)
h)
i)
0) That roads shall be maintained adequately. The applicant shall execute the Garfield'" °1 0 .
County Road & Bridge Department's agreement. Staff recommends said agreement be ) l '
approved by the Board of County Commissioners prior to issuance of any conditional or ,ou '"�"
special use permit; dZo -{t.c� � `� ,�,f`.�--l'�"" 13.“4„ �
That all timber hauling on County Roads shall occur Monday through Friday, between .e U '
(4,the hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., shall not exceed 10 loads per day, and shall be within legal 6444"
., . • •; Ci
weight limits. - :: =
-(v)i)
, va,101,29P'N
tuzz
Ica,a" ary a =mss.
•'-.
--tz r�" * CL �5 INJac ,04a_ 1:5 -- Alftk, i..v c) eLcC,C ./3 Priv..-+-102.5 ,iiji -
That dust will be controlled with water or dust control chemicals so that it does not become L-‹
a nuisance. If these are not sufficient means of dust control, the number of truck trips per s
day, and the speed of the trucks, shall be reduced as necessary. Cts- 4'W -y f wp i c
i!1 e u. %1) vwu c ..cx ?
hat a bond of $100,000.00 will be placed with Garfield County to be used for the repair
of CR 312 due to damage attributable to the applicant's activities, for mitigation of
impacts, for implementing rehabilitation of the site, and for controlling noxious weeds.
ii
QThe bond shall be valid for the period of time that the applicant is actively logging on
0 their property. The $100,000.00 bond shall be issued solely for the Diamanti project, and
not cover any other operations; fk
That newly constructed private roads will be constructed to minimum haul standards d ---
um grade of 8-T5 and-be--omposed--afdirt with-
That a weed control program shall be created and submitted to the Garfield County P?,
Vegetation Manager for approval prior to issuance of any permits. The approved p
program shall be im leented on and private rods; O(
opi
Landing slash will be burned during favorable conditions, with the proper' ermits. Burn c� AL7-
areas and skid trails will be disked and re -seeded. Culverts will be placed to prevent • -"
11 of 12
erosion along abandoned roads. Cut/fill slopes will be stabilized. Noxious weeds will be
monitored and treated.
10. Chainsaws shall be equipped with spark arrestors and all motorized equipment shall carry
at least one shovel and one fire extinguisher;
That the Special and Conditional Use Permits are subject to review for compliance or
noncompliance with the timber harvest plans and the conditions placed on the permits.
The applicant will be required to submit a report one year from the date of issuance of
the special and conditional use permits indicating the measures taken to comply with the
performance requirements of the permit. The Board of County Commissioners will
review the report in a public meeting within 30 days of receipt of the report and may
determine that a public hearing is necessary to consider suspension of the permit or that
conditions of approval must be met before additional activities can occur on the property;
12. That this condition. . p .royal shall be valid until 4/16/02. If the applicant fails to meet
the conditions by /16/02, and subsequently the conditional and special use permits are
never issued, th approval shall be automatically.zveked, unless an extension is granter
by the Board of County Commissioners; /V C. V £rk,c!'•
pry
That the forest management practices will be monitored for compliance with the
application, the Best Management Practices, and the conditional and special use `" t¢
permits by a consultant agreed upon by the Board of County Commissioners -j
telpc-e_ (nom) t- 4-i rrlc� ► c �� )
L—�� (AAA C ' ' :,.� \pb�C�.e. (,
fit, iA6
Slopes of 50+% slopes shal - - 4 - + - - • -. A 1 unstablaeas
and/or highly erosive soils shall not be logged. '74-:,- - 1,,m, c4. -,66,n,,,, S
L,_,
Drainages shall be crossed at right angles', with 18" steel or ADS culverts placed on a 2-
4% grade, covered with at least 1' of dirt, and provided with a rock apron for spillage.
All operations will cease during spring run-off (typically March -May) and during elk
calving times
(M
1-July1).
MLAD
1 -4 -u) --0)L
n � �
10LLLL�/
12 of 12
z APAA'
\•AO
.N • et-
4- 4-01; 4:15PM;ToWn Of New
tle
PO Box 90
450 West Main Street
New Castle, CO 81647
970-984-2311
970-984-2716 (fax)
Z742,L,or 67e -
To: P/ .1— i
Attn:
X709842716 # 1/ 2
Town of New Castle
t From: �„ �� -•,�
Pages:
Fax: 9'(/,5--
Re:
7 7, S Date:
+7:70 kA -u 0 cDL \v\Q d -ek .v\
�3
4— 4-01; 4:1SPM;Town of New istle
2001
Administration Department
(970) 984-2311
Fax (970) 984.2716
Email: tnceglcnwood.net
Colorado
1888
0709842716 # 2/ 2
Town of New Castle
I O, Box 9n
45(1 W, Main Street
New castle, Co 81H7
MEMORANDUM
TO: Garfield County Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Town Council, Town of New Castle
DATE: March 27, 2001
RE:
Land Use Application Referred by Garfield County
Application Type: Special Use Permit for Timber Harvest
Applicant: Louisiana-Pacific/Diamanti
Location: Various Sections of T7S, R9OW,
accessed by County Road 312 (Garfield Creek Road)
New Castle File No.: 2001 -MSC -003
Town Council, at its ticetni on March 27, 2001, reviewed the proposed project, as referred by
Garfield County, to harvest timber from 14480 acres of private land on the upper reaches of Garfield
Creek, over a two-year period. Access to markets would be via Garfield Creek Road (County Road
312), County Road 335, and Interstate 70 at New Castle.
Council observed, with staff review, that since the operation would occur south of the Colorado
River, most of the Town would not be directly affected. However, a particular and serious concern is
about the effects of the heavy truck traffic on the existing County Road 335 within the Town
(approximately 0.$ mile through the industrial arca) leading to the Interstate 7() intersection (mile
marker 105 of Interstate 70), which include:
• The road has been in poor condition for several years and is rapidly deteriorating.
■ Additional heavy truck traffic will intensify damage to the road.
■
Truck -traffic will add to congestion at the Interstate 70 access intersections.
• Previously_postcd_County weight limits of 5 -axle -80,000 lbs. and 3 -axle --48,000 ibs.
Provisions to make any repairs needed as a result of damage to any part of the roadway caused by the
traffic produced by the proposed project, shc.luld be included in the Special Use Permit.
Garfield County is requested to include Town considerations in requirements and conditions for the
above Special Use Permit. Thank you for soliciting the Town's input on this matter.
cc: Lynnette Halley, Town Administrator
Mike Blair, Town Planner
IL"
ATE OF COLORADO
1 Owens, Governor
PARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
)IVISION OF WILDLIFE
'1 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Russell George, Director
6060 Broadway
Denver, Colorado 80216
Telephone: (303) 297-1192
March 26, 2001
Kit Lyon
Garfield County Building and Planning
109 8th Street, Suite 301
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
•
V EO APP r 4 2601
RE: Louisiana Pacific/Diamanti Special Use Permit -Timber Harvest
Dear Mr. Lyon:
I have had the opportunity to review the maps and materials associated with this project
as provided in the referral packet. In addition, I have met with other Colorado Division
of Wildlife personnel concerning this issue.
The majority of the proposed harvest area is in standing timber on north -facing slopes. It
currently provides habitat for a number of mammal species including elk, mule deer,
bear, mountain lion, bobcat and fox. One would also expect to find a number of avian
species, such as turkey, blue grouse, golden eagle, red-tailed hawk and a variety of
passerine birds.
Harvested aspen stands on north -facing slopes in this area generally display prolific
regeneration, and species such as turkey and mule deer may continue to utilize the
harvested area during the regeneration period. Conversely, aspen stands on slopes with
south -facing exposure are slower to regenerate, and wildlife has been shown to minimize
their use of these areas.
The project impact statement responsibly addresses many wildlife issues, such as
migration and forage concerns. The plan proposes leaving stands of healthy fir
regeneration, which are instrumental in providing space as well as thermal and escape
cover for various species, such as blue grouse and turkey.
A portion of the proposed timber harvest area is adjacent to Garfield Creek State Wildlife
Area, which has a principal objective of maintaining a healthy complete ecosystem for
elk. Consequently, the Colorado Division of Wildlife is particularly interested in any
project which may affect elk in the area.
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Greg E. Qalcher, Executive Director
WILDLIFE COMMISSION, Rick Enstrom, Chair . Robert Shoemaker, Vice -Chair • Marianna Raftopoulos, Secretary
• •
One major effect on wildlife that the project plan does not address is disturbance to elk
calving. Calving in the project area generally occurs in close proximity to aspen stands
and water sources, which are predominant in the proposed harvest area. Calving season
begins in late May, peaks in early June and ends in late June. Elk cows often keep their
calves hidden in the calving area for several weeks after they are born, before they
continue their migration to summer range. Human activity in the area in June could alter
the calving grounds of some cows, and could cause premature migration of cows and
calves, possibly increasing calving -related mortality.
A healthy harvest of timber can, however, be beneficial to habitat, provided that the
timing is right. Postponing the initiation of the operations preparation period one month
to July each year would minimize negative effects on the area's elk population. Such a
measure would decrease disturbance during the critical calving period, and may even
enhance the calving ground for subsequent years by creating nutritious browse while
perpetuating younger, more healthy aspen stands.
The Colorado Division of Wildlife would appreciate the opportunity to work with the
landowners on a public hunting easement on the property when logging operations have
concluded.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this important land use issue in Garfield
County. Please feel free to contact me regarding this or any other wildlife concern.
Sincerely,
Brett A. Ackerman
District Wildlife Manager
Rifle South
cc: Yamashita, Will, Neil, Toolen
/6
IN REPLY REFER TO:
1780
CO -14000
•• c
iVEG MAR 1 s 2001
United States Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Glenwood Springs Resource Area
50629 Highway 6 and 24
P.O. Box 1009
Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81602
Ms. Kit Lyon, Staff Planner
Garfield County Building & Planning Department
109 8th Street, Suite 303
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Dear Ms. Lyon:
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Diamanti Special Use Permit.
We offer the following information for your review.
As an adjacent property manager, we have two principal concerns:
1. Trespass.
Louisiana Pacific personnel and/or Mr. Diamanti should survey the public-
private land boundaries to ensure no unauthorized encroachment occurs on
public lands. Our research indicates that the boundary in Sections 12 and 13
have no record of public survey.
2. Right-of-ways.
Any road construction, use of BLM road for hauling timber or other crossing
Bureau of Land Management public lands would require right-of-way (ROW)
permits from this office. An environmental assessment of the impacts of those
uses would be needed as a part of the ROW permitting process.
If there are further questions, please contact Brian Hopkins at (970)947-2840,
(FAX: 947-2829).
incerely,
Anne E. Huebner
Field Manager
MEMORANDUM
To: Kit Lyon
From: Steve Anthony
Re: Comments on the Diamanti Special Use Plan
Date: April 2, 2001
Kit,
Thanks for the opportunity to comment on the Diamanti Timber Special Use Permit. My comments are as
follows:
1. Ask them to submit a written Vegetation Management Plan that provides for noxious weed
management and revegetation.
2. The applicant should conduct a pre -activity weed inventory for the proposed disturbed area. The
inventory should focus on the plants on the Garfield County Weed List. I would also request that the
applicant look out for Poison hemlock and inventory it if found. Poison hemlock isn't on Garfield
County's list, but it is on the State list and is becoming prevalent on the upper Baldy Creek watershed,
which is within a mile of the proposed project area. It would be appreciated if the applicant could
become aware of this plant and notify the County if they come across it.
3. The revegetation plan should include:
Seed mix (plant material list with common and scientific name)
Planting schedule
Methods and techniques
Please refer to the Revegetation Guidelines from the County Weed Management Plan. (attached)
4. Encourage the applicant to utilize best management practices for weed prevention.
A. Avoid driving in noxious weed infested areas. Inspect vehicles for weed seeds stuck in
tire treads or mud on the vehicle and prevent them from being carried to unaffected areas.
Don't clean infested vehicles in weed free areas.
B. Inspect equipment for weed seeds before it enters the property. Require that such equipment be
cleaned first to remove weed seeds before being allowed entry.
C. For reseeding always use hay, straw, or mulch that has been certified weed free.
1 8
• • •
GARFIELD COUNTY NOXIOUS WEED LIST
Common name Scientific name
Leafy spurge Euphorbia esula
Russian knapweed Acroptilon repens
Yellow starthistle Centaurea solstitalis
Plumeless thistle Carduus acanthoides
Houndstongue Cynoglossum officinale
Common burdock Arctium minus
Scotch thistle Onopordum acanthium
Canada thistle Cirsium arvense
Spotted knapweed Centaurea maculosa
Diffuse knapweed Centaurea d ffusa
Dalmation toadflax Linaria dalmatica
Yellow toadflax Linaria vulgaris
Hoary cress Cardaria draba
Saltcedar Tamarix parvifiora
Saltcedar Tamarix ramosissima
Oxeye Daisy Chrysanthemum leucantheum
Jointed Goatgrass Aegilops cylindrica
Chicory Cichorium intybus
Musk thistle Carduus nutans
Purple loosestrife Lythrum salicaria
Russian olive Elaeagnus angustifolia
f'1
•• ••
Garfield County Revegetation Guidelines
From the
Garfield County Noxious Weed Management Plan
4.06 Revegetation and Rehabilitation:
A crucial part of any weed management plan is the reintroduction of site appropriate
vegetation.
Establishing a desirable plant community after noxious weeds have been removed from a
highly infested area requires timely cultivation and reseeding. Since the seeds from
noxious weeds may lay dormant for many years, removing all visible signs of the noxious
weeds does not ensure against their return. Revegetation can help prevent the
germination of weed seeds. It is important to inspect the land regularly to identify and
treat small, new infestations. For proper reclamation, managed irrigation of dry areas,
fertilization, and reseeding are essential to establish desirable plant communities.
Native plants are most appropriate when the goal is restoration (trying to restore native
habitat). Weed -free seeds of native Colorado grasses, wildflowers or plant species
appropriate to the site may be purchased, but the best source for seeds is from native
species that grow in the immediate vicinity of the infestation. They will be best adapted
to local conditions and will help maintain local integrity and genetic viability. Using
native plants or seeds to reclaim disturbed land reduces degradation of native ecosystems,
reduces the need for herbicides and conserves water resources. Native plants will provide
a broad biological diversity and help keep Colorado looking like Colorado with a unique
regional landscape that sets us apart from other areas of the country.
When the goal is reclamation (reseeding for quick ground cover establishment or erosion
control), it may be appropriate to use introduced, non-aggressive grasses and forbs.
Contact the Natural Resources Conservation Service or Colorado State University
Cooperative Extension for seeding recommendations. The Native Plant Revegetation
Guide for Colorado, published by the Colorado State Parks Natural Areas Program, is an
excellent guide for native plant reseeding. Contact the Garfield County Vegetation
Management office for further information on this material.
STRATEGIES:
• Study all vegetation in the area and surrounding areas.
• Preserve plant species native to Colorado.
• Test the soil for pH balance. Try to retain and utilize as much on-site topsoil as
possible.
• Select a predominant species that is appropriate to the site. Then choose a few
complimentary species to provide a balanced plant community.
• Choose plants that are healthy, vigorous and pest free.
• Use weed -free seeds. Use non -hybrid seeds. Avoid commercial seedpackets
containing exotic plant species.
I
20
• • • 1
• Choose plants that are horticulturally appropriate, i.e. plant species that are adaptable
to climate, soil and topographical conditions of the designated area.
• Consider the use of water, its availability and the vegetative requirements.
• To landscape for wildlife, choose native plants that provide cover, forage, browse,
seeds for birds and rodents, and shade.
• Be site-specific; revegetation strategies may vary for small lots, farms, ranches or
construction sites.
• Establish a vegetative cover that is diverse, effective and long lasting, capable of self -
regeneration.
• Stabilize the surface.
2
LCLV1
1 J.:J :J GLJQGL i
•
MUHL HINL J7M 1 V .
•
Efl APR 0 4 20111
Garfield Couno,
This agreement is made the _.. day of , 2001, between Garfield County Road and Bridge
Department and Louisiana Pacific Corporation pursuant to special use permit for the purpose ofcreating a road
maintenance agreement for County Road 312,
The Conditions of this agreement as follows:
Garfield County does not object to the proposed timber hauling use of County Road 312, Garfield Creek,
provided the following restrictions are adhered to.
1. A 5100,000.00 road bond shall be posted with the Road and Bridge office for the purpose of repairing
any damage attributable to Louisiana Pacific Corp. activities on any County Roads, and for the purpose
of implementing a weed control program along County Roads, and for the purpose of providing dust
control as needed with magnesium chloride.
2. Road conditions shall be maintained as is. If road damage occurs during hauling activities, it is the
Louisiana Pacific Corporation's responsibility to repair said damage, Louisiana Pacific Corporation
shall be responsible for dust control (magnesium chloride as specified by Garfield County for entire
portion of CR 312) if it becomes a nuisance for the residents on the haul roads, and shall implement a
weed control program along County Roads.
3. Due to climatic conditions that could cause damage to the roadway, roads maybe closed due to roadbed
instability, as determined by Garfield County. If damage occurs to roadway, it shall be the
responsibility of Louisiana Pacific Corporation to repair to Garfield County standards.
4. Louisiana Pacific Corporation shall comply with all posted weight and oversized load restrictions.
Restrictions may vary with climatic conditions. Call Garfield County Road and Bridge Department for
oversized/overweight permits current posted weight limit is 70,000.
5. All hauling on County Roads shall occur between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. No more than 10 loads
per day, per side, shall be hauled.
6. This agreement shall not be in effect until it is accepted by the Garfield County Board of County
Commissioners (BOCC), as stated in resolution
7. Warning signs will be installed as per Garfield County Road & Bridge department to meet MUTCD
standards,
as
G'f(GJ( CCJCJl
1":1; 17G00.4(
•
KURU HNV bN1V at
•
8. Louisiana Pacific Corporation will be responsible to notify and coordinate with the appropriate School
Districts for hauling activity interface.
9. Exhibit A identifies specific locations to meet these conditions.
Louisiana Pacific Corporation Date
Road. &. Bridge Supervisor Date
BOCC Chairman Date
A3
U4/ CJ. / LLL.I.
OLJOOL f
4111 MUHL RNLI ZMILUL
4110
EXIBTF"A"
LOUISIANA PACIFIC LOG HAUL
COUNTY ROAD 312
1. Cr. 312 from end of paved surface going south for 6.7 miles
will need dust retardant (Magnesium Chloride) applied to the
road surface. Depending on condition of road surface and at
the discretion of Garfield County Road and Bridge
Department or its representative this application may have to
be applied two times during the log haul season. The dust
retardant will be applied at the rate of .06 gal per square yard.
The length of this portion of Cr. 312 is 35376 lineal feet and is
18 feet wide. The approximate gallons needed are 42452
gallons. The approximate cost for one application is
511037.31.
2. Warning signs stating Heavy Truck Traffic will need to be
installed in the following locations.
• Cr. 335 and Cr. 312 intersection on Cr. 312 for
traffic going south
• Cr. 312 and Cr, 328 on Cr. 312 intersection one sign
for traffic going south and one sign for traffic going
north.
• Cr. 312 one sign at Bilouti Creek for traffic going
north.
3. Warning signs stating Narrow Road will need to be installed in
the following places.
• Cr. 312 and Cr. 328 intersection one sign on Cr.
312 for traffic going south.
• Cr, 312 at Bilouti Creek for traffic going north.
4. All sign installations and spacing will be accordance with
regulations stipulated in the Manuel on Uniform Traffic
Control Devices.
5, No log hauling will not be allowed during the times that the
school bus is running on Cr. 312,
6, All road damage caused by the log hauling operation will be
repaired to Garfield County Road And Bridge Dept.
specifications at the expense of Louisiana Pacific in a timely
fashion. If damage occurs in the paved portion of Cr. 312 as it
will include a new chipseal surface over the damaged portion
of the road,
7. Louisiana Pacific will furnish a list of contact personnel and
phone numbers to Garfield County Road & Bridge
department.
8_ Garfield County Road & Bridge department will furnish to
Louisiana Pacific a list of contact personnel and phone
numbers.
I -AUL b4
z
[CQLORADOFOREST
STEWARDSHIP
GUIDELINES
TO PROTECT
WATER QUALITY
Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Colorado
Developed in partnership by:
Colorado Timber Industry Association
Colorado State Forest Service
Adapted from original text authored by:
Bob Logan
Montana State University Extension Service
Bud Clinch,
Montana Logging Association
Photograph Credits:
Bud Clinch and Montana Logging Association (71)
Mark Ingraham (1)
MT Dept. Fish Wildlife and Parks (14)
MT Dept. Of State Lands (6)
MT State University Extension Forestry (71)
Rocky Mountain Ranger Station—USFS (4)
Colorado Timber Industry Association (23)
Colorado State Forest Service (1, 5, 11, 16, 17, 20, 23, 26)
Colorado State University, Department of Forest Sciences (5)
Idaho Department of Lands ( 5,13)
Cooperative funding development support provided by:
Colorado State Forest Service
Colorado Timber Industry Association
Colorado Nonpoint Source Task Force
US Environmental Protection Agency
For information about ordering this publication,
contact one of the following:
Colorado State Forest Service
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523
(970) 491-6303
Colorado Timber Industry Association
139 Ryler
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 247-4648
Your local Colorado State Forest Service office
listed in the phone book
For information about BMPs and their application, contact:
Your local Colorado State Forest Service field office
Your may reproduce or copy any portion of this booklet.
Please acknowledge this booklet as the source of your information.
February 1998
Colorado's forest lands supply beauty, clean
water, abundant wildlife, minerals, recreation,
and renewable resources such as forage and
timber which support thousands of jobs. This
book is dedicated to the stewardship of those
resources — especially clean water. It describes
Best Management Practices (BMPs) for the
protection of natural resources including water
quality.
If you work in the forest, own forest land, or
are interested in Colorado's forests, this publi-
cation is for you. It contains BMP guidelines
and gives reasons for BMPs. An understanding
of why to apply these practices along with a
good dose of common sense will address most
situations you encounter. However, reading
these pages is not enough. Maintaining our
forests' productivity and benefits can only be
achieved by on -the -ground application of
BMPs.
How you voluntarily apply BMPs in the forest
will require practice and personal judgement.
Two notations throughout these pages are
intended to help. The "do not" symbol ®
indicates practices you should avoid. The
black blocks ■ indicate BMPs recommended
by the Colorado State Forest Service and the
Colorado Timber Industry Association.
Contents
INTRODUCTION
Watersheds 2
ROADS
Colorado Forest Owners 4
Standards and Use 5
Planning, Design, and Location 6
Road Construction 8
Drainage from Road Surface 10
Maintenance 12
Road Closures 13
STREAMSIDE
MANAGEMENT
What is an SMZ 14
Legal Requirements 14
Benefits of SMZs 15
Other SMZ Benefits 17
SMZ Boundaries 18
Harvesting Activities 19
Conifer Regeneration 20
WILDFIRE
Firelines and Roads 20
Fire Camps 20
Reclamation 20
TIMBER
HARVESTING
Harvest Design 21
Skyline Logging Unit 22
Skidder Logging Unit 23
OTHER HARVESTING ACTIVITIES
Drainage Management 24
Slash Treatment and Site Preparation 25
Reforestation 26
WINTER ACTIVITIES
Harvesting 27
Road and Drainage Considerations 28
HAZARDOUS
SUBSTANCES
Pesticides and Fertilizers 29
STREAM
CROSSINGS
Legal Requirements 30
Design Considerations 31
Installation of Stream Crossings 32
Watersheds
In Colorado, many towns and cities depend on
surface water collected from forested watersheds for
their domestic public water supply. Throughout
Colorado, forest lands act as collectors of clean water.
Protecting these sources of clean water is the
responsibility of forest landowners, forest managers
and timber operators. Best Management Practices
(BMPs) are guidelines that should be used to direct
forest activities that protect natural resources
including water quality.
Areas of land called watersheds (center photo)
collect precipitation and funnel it through a network
of stream channels. Logging, road construction and
other forest activities can disturb vegetation and
soil which may cause erosion and release sediment
downstream.
Perennial and intermittent streams and ephemeral
areas are often found in forested watersheds (note
these in photo).
Ephemeral areas drain water to intermittent stream
channels, which carry the water to perennial streams
which flow to the watershed outlet. Sediment is fine
particles of soil, sand and pebbles carried by moving
water and later deposited when the flow slows or
stops such as in eddies or where a stream enters a
lake or pond. Any sediment created by soil erosion
during logging or road building activities can be
carried by way of ephemeral, intermittent, and
perennial stream channels to the watershed outlet.
Ephemeral areas generally occur above
the upper reaches of intermittent streams.
Since they can direct water into intermit-
tent stream channels, care should be
taken to minimize disturbing soil in these
areas.
Roads, skid trails, and landings can act
as man made stream channels carrying
sediment when improperly planned,
located or constructed. If BMPs are not
followed, sediment can make its way to
the watershed outlet, creating problems
downstream.
EPHEMERAL AREA
INTERMITTENT STREAM
Disturbed soils in ephemeral areas
can be carried downhill during heavy
rainfall or snowmelt.
Whether wet or dry, intermittent streams
generally have gravel or sandy bottoms and
identifiable banks. They connect ephemeral
areas with perennial streams.
Wetlands found within a watershed include seeps,
springs, wallows, marshes, bogs and riparian
woodlands. Some drain into streams, others do not.
Even when dry, they can generally be identified
by the presence of certain plants. These areas
should receive protection when forest activities
occur in or around them
2
Across all of Colorado, damage to inter-
mittent beds and banks results in
sediment being carried to perennial
streams during high flow periods.
Perennial streams are important water
sources. They must be kept free of
sediment and large woody debris from
logging or road construction. Sufficient
shade should also be left along stream -
banks to protect water temperature.
INTERMITTENT STREAM
PERENNIAL STREAM
PERENNIAL STREAM
Sediment from ephemeral areas often
collects in perennial streams
resulting in downstream impacts.
Ephemeral areas
used as skid
roads can contri-
bute to stream
sediment. Avoid
skidding up or
down these
areas.
Tree harvesting and other forest manage-
ment activities such as site preparation and
road construction can have minimal impacts to
forested watersheds if conducted with careful
regard to soil and water resource quality.
However, poor logging practices can cause
excessive erosion. Excessive disturbance of
the vegetation and topsoil on the forest floor
destroys its filtering capacity and soil com-
paction affects surface water infiltration. When
surface water is allowed to flow onto roads
and trails, they become man-made stream
channels. Runoff increases in speed and
volume as it flows downstream. Concentrated
runoff undermines slopes tearing away the
soil, destroying roads, overloading streams
with sediment, damaging stream -banks, and
destroying aquatic habitat.
Springs, swamps, seeps, marshes, and bogs all contribute to the
watershed collection systems and require protection.
WETLANDS
Ignoring BMPs
can result in
damaged
streams,
unhappy
downstream
neighbors and
restoration
measures.
Why protect
water quality?
Excessive runoff and
sedimentation into
streams can increase
filtering costs for drinking water, interfere with
irrigation systems and increase flood potential.
Fish eggs laid in stream gravel that are later
buried with sediment will suffocate. Removing
shade from stream sides can raise water tem-
peratures which affects fish and other aquatic
life. Streamside damage also affects stream stability
which impacts the wildlife that rely on these habitats.
3
ROADS
ROADS
Colorado Forest
Owners
In addition to 15.5 million acres of government
forestland, there are approximately 5.9 million
acres of private forest land in Colorado, owned
by more than 100,000 individuals. These
landowners are referred to as Non -Industrial
Private Forest (NIPF) landowners and are
important to Colorado's forest health and
productivity. The application of BMPs on
NIPF lands is just as important as on
other forest ownerships.
NIPF Landowners play a
major role in protecting water
quality by planning and
implementing their forest
activities with BMPs.
Plans for permanent stream
crossings must include
calculations for maximum
runoff. When maximum run-
off is ignored, flooding and
the potential for economic
and water quality damage
is enormous. Commonly,
costs of repair far exceed
costs of proper installation.
4
Riparian areas
are important
habitat for many
types of wildlife
by maintaining
and enhancing
water quality.
Design roads
around riparian
areas and avoid
equipment
operation in
these areas.
Unimproved stream XN
crossings (no culvert
or bridge) that result
in erosion, stream
sediment, damage to
stream banks, and
damage to streambeds
are unacceptable.
Timely road grading and
restricting road use during
wet periods can help insure
adequate surface drainage
on unimproved road sur-
faces. Properly designed
and spaced waterbars are
needed on these roads to
divert water from directly
entering live streams.
TIMBER
HARVESTING
Standards and Use
The need for higher standard roads can some
times be alleviated through better road -use
management and
logging system
selection.
Forest roads often
provide easy access
to our favorite
recreation areas.
Problems occur when
forest roads built to
provide access for
timber harvesting must
also provide for traffic
to recreation sites. Such
road construction costs
may exceed $100,000
per mile.
Arial
The alternative to
%; accommodate all these
. uses is better road use
management.
Access control using
locked gates is one
method of road use
management. Seasonal
weather conditions may
also restrict access.
When access for forest
activities requires
crossing moist areas
with a poor road base,
cross only when the
ground is frozen. Return
during the dry season
to do site preparation
and slash treatment.
Low -standard roads involve only
the clearing of vegetation and
minimal construction.
A portable railroad flatcar provides an
option for access across streams less
than 10 feet wide with minimal
disturbance to stream banks or bed.
■ Design roads to the minimum
standard necessary to accommodate
anticipated use and equipment.
Along with its portability, this temporary
bridge is strong enough for all
harvesting activities.
Temporary low -standard roads
are designed for short-term
minimal use during timber
harvesting. They can be con-
structed, used and reclaimed
during seasons when precipita-
tion and erosion potential are
minimal.
Road restoration includes pulling
up roadside berms to prevent
channeling water, ripping
compacted areas, restoring
natural drainage, and reseeding
with appropriate grasses.
When stream crossings are
needed, portable bridges can
be used. These temporary
bridges are quick, economical,
can be installed with less
impact than other alternatives,
and can be reused at other
locations in the future.
5
ROADS
Planning, Design,
and Location
• Properly design roads and drainage facilities to pre-
vent potential water quality problems due to road
construction.
• Minimize the number of roads constructed in a water-
shed through comprehensive road planning, recognizing
intermingled ownership and foreseeable future uses.
• Using existing roads where practical, unless use of
such roads would cause or aggravate an erosion problem.
• Fit the road to the topography by locating roads on
natural benches and following contours. Avoid long,
steep road grades and narrow canyons where practical.
• Review available information and consult with pro-
fessionals as necessary to help identify erodible soils,
unstable areas, and to locate appropriate road surface
materials.
• Locate roads on stable geology, including well -drained
soils and rock formations that tend to dip into the slope.
• Attempt to avoid slumps and slide -prone areas
characterized by steep slopes, highly weathered bedrock,
clay beds, concave slopes, hummocky topography, and
rock layers that dip parallel to the slope.
• Avoid wet areas, including moisture -laden or unstable
toe slopes, swamps, wet meadows, and natural drainage
channels.
• Minimize the number of stream crossings and choose
stable stream crossing sites.
• Locate roads to provide access to suitable (relatively
flat and well -drained) log landing areas to reduce soil
disturbance.
• Locate roads a safe distance from streams when roads
are running parallel to stream channels. Provide an
adequate streamside management zone (SMZ) to trap
sediment and prevent its entry into the stream.
(See page 14 for details.)
Attention to these recommendations will reduce road
maintenance costs and minimize failures.
6
0
Roads produce up to
90% of all sediment
from forest activities.
That is why forest road
planning, design, and
location is so critical.
Critics of forest roads
point to excessive road
building, evident on
many hillsides.
ENCE
More cooperation and planning
among adjacent forest landowners
within a watershed is necessary to
reduce sedimentation from roads
and to minimize the obvious visual
impact.
Rock layers that slant with,
rather than into, the slope are
a clue to potentially unstable
bedrock conditions. When
planning roads in these
locations, get expert advice.
Roads and landing locations, should comple-
ment each other so as to provide an efficient
transportation system while minimizing log-
ging costs and soil erosion. When roads use
natural benches and flat areas, excavation
for landings is reduced. Sedimentation from
landing construction is also reduced.
Roads located in steep canyons
have been common practice for
decades. Unfortunately, they
require substantial cuts and fills,
often increasing erosion potential
into the drainage below. Avoid new
road construction in such sites
whenever possible.
A road system has been designated on
the topographic map below for the
forested area shown in this photo. The
area consists of mixed ownership and
has some existing roads.
To comply with BMPs and minimize the
number of roads, surrounding landowners
should be contacted during road planning.
Mutual agreement among all affected
landowners could result in the road
location indicated on the topographic map
and plotted on the photo of the area. On -
the -ground problems that influenced road
location are indicated.
Landingsare late
areas where excavation ~:
is minimized. t;
EM.,, ORARY HAUL ROAD
baciirE4A
EXISTING ROAD
(compare this photo to the topographic map below.
Temporary and low -standard roads
were planned and located to provide
for single entry activities. These spurs
will be closed and reclaimed at
completion of the activity.
While crossing this
drainage, fit the road to
the topography by
following contours as
shown here.
Locate the road system
to provide access to
these flat, well -drained
areas that can also be
used for log landings.
EXISTING ROAD
The owners of this parcel
agreed to an easement so the
existing road across their
property could be used rather
than forcing new road construc-
tion elsewhere.
Avoid this wet area
with natural seeps and
springs coming out of
the hillside.
EIAIN I lAt n -,,,
The owners of this 160 -acre tract
agreed to an easement when they
realized the benefit of reduced
road construction and a coordi-
nated road plan.
NATURAL
CLEARING
USN SO°
TFr.1f'CANAR't I -4111L ROAD
1
EXISTING ROAD
RESIDENCE
If GI ND
MAIN I.I AI 11 fii 1.\I);;
ILLIP!.IHARA I1)' SIANDAHDRUADS - S
ANDINHS 1111
Once clearing limits
and road design features
are staked out, road con-
struction begins. Vegetation
is removed, piled or buried
along the lower side of the
right-of-way.
Excavations efficiently dig,
swing, and deposit material
with accuracy and care.
Stumps and other vegeta-
tive debris are swept clean
from the new road surface.
While pioneering roads,
temporary crossings are
used to get beyond a
stream and continue clear-
ing. Several logs, placed in
the stream channel, form
a base that water can flow
through while protecting
stream banks. This is
replaced promptly with a
permanent crossing
(culvert or bridge, page 30).
Forest roads are often
built by excavating the
road surface out of a hill-
side. A bulldozer starts at
the top of the cut slope,
excavating and sidecasting
material until the desired
road width is obtained.
An experienced bulldozer
operator can do many road
construction tasks, including
drainage features. The
inside ditch between the
cut slope and road surface,
and a catch basin formed
just below the culvert inlet,
prevents ditch water from
bypassing the culvert.
Following up the bulldozer
is a grader, providing the
final smoothing of the road
surface, shaping of ditches
and forming drainage
features.
Grass seeding of exposed
cut and fill surfaces is an
important erosion control
practice. Proper seed mix-
tures and timing are impor-
tant for success. Use seed
of know purity, having a high
germination rate and that is
free of noxious weeds. The
local district office of the
Colorado State Forest
Service, Colorado State
University Cooperative
Extension Service, Natural
Resources Conservation
Service or a private forester
can assist in recommending
an appropriate seed mix for
your particular site. Several
vendors in Colorado stock
native and introduced grass
seed.
Seeding stabilizes soil, pre-
vents erosion, and indicates
landowner's concern for
control of potential erosion.
8
ROADS
Road Construction
See also Stream Crossings, pages 30-33.
Control erosion during the
construction process:
• When using existing roads, reconstruct only to the
extent necessary to provide adequate drainage and
safety; avoid disturbing stable road surfaces. Evaluate
the integrity of existing roads prior to utilization.
• Minimize earth -moving activities when soils appear
excessively wet. Do not disturb roadside vegetation more
than necessary to maintain slope stability and to serve
traffic needs.
• Keep slope stabilization, erosion, and sediment
control work as current as possible with road construc-
tion. This includes installing drainage features as part of
the construction process.
• Complete or stabilize road sections within the same
operating season, insuring that drainage features are
fully functional prior to spring runoff and that road
sections are not left in an unstable condition over winter.
• If the road is a permanent installation which will
experience considerable traffic, consider graveling to
minimize erosion and provide a superior running surface.
Stabilize slopes:
• Construct cut and fill slopes at stable angles. A 3:1
slope is the maximum recommended in stable soils. A 1:1
slope may be necessary in sandy soils to avoid slumping.
• Stabilize erodible, exposed soils by seeding, com-
pacting, riprapping, benching, mulching, or other
suitable means prior to fall or spring runoff.
• At the toe of potentially erodible fill slopes, particu-
larly near stream channels, pile two feet of slash in a row
parallel to the road to trap sediment. When completed
concurrently with road construction, this practice can
effectively control sediment movement and can provide
an economical way of disposing roadway slash. Limit
the height, width and length of these "slash filter
windrows" so not to impede wildlife movement.
• Avoid incorporating potentially unstable woody
debris in the fill portion of the road prism. Where
possible, leave existing rooted trees or shrubs at the toe
of the fill slope to stabilize the fill.
Care should be taken to
maintain trees and
shrubs growing at the
base of fill slopes.
Mixing stumps and other
vegetative debris into the road fill
directly under the running surface
should be avoided whenever possible.
Cutting back an inside slope into
the hillside to improve the angle
of repose and removing vegeta-
tion crowding the roadway are
road reconstruction activities
that improve vehicle safety
and visibility.
Over time, it is often necessary
to add culverts for improved
drainage. Anticipating the need
for additional culverts can avoid
drainage problems.
Deep, wide road fills like this can
be stabilized with log terraces or
cribbing. After installation, the
entire fill is seeded with appro-
priate grass cover.
Slash filter windrows are very
effective at keeping sediment
from entering stream channels.
They consist of compacted
slash installed along the base
of the fill slope.
ROADS
• Design roads to balance cuts and fills or use
full bench construction where stable fill
construction is not possible.
Most forest roads are built by excavating a
road surface. Road design and layout on -the -ground
show machine operators the proper cut slopes and
indicate cut slope steepness. The bulldozer starts at
the top of the cut slope, excavating and sidecasting
material until the desired road grade and width are
obtained. Material from cuts is often pushed or
"drifted" in front of the blade to areas where fill is
needed. Road fill is used to cover culverts and build
up low areas. Since fill must support traffic, it needs
to be spread and compacted in layers to develop
strength.
While cut -and -fill road construction is common for
gentle terrain, full -bench roads are nearly always
built on slopes over 65%. In full -bench construc-
tion, the entire road surface is excavated into the
hill. The excavated material is pushed or hauled to
an area needing fill or to a disposal area.
During the process of cut -and -fill, it is critical to
avoid letting sidecast or waste material enter streams
or placing it on unstable areas where it might erode.
Keeping roads outside of streamside management
zones, where possible, will mitigate this problem.
Considerations for borrow pits
and overburden disposal:
• Minimize sediment production from borrow pits
and gravel sources through proper location,
development, and reclamation.
• Place debris, overburden, and other waste materials
associated with construction and maintenance activities
in a location to avoid entry into streams. Include these
waste areas in soil stabilization planning for the road.
• Stockpile topsoil for use in reclaiming borrow pits
after construction activities. Avoid excavation
into groundwater to decrease possible con-
tamination and decrease operating costs.
Excavators can remove
stumps clean and relatively
free of soil, minimizing the
chance of sediment
moving off the con-
struction site.
Be aware of the potential for
/ borrow pits to contaminate
surface waterTake pre-
cautions to control drainage
and escaping sediment.
Machine maintenance in the
forest can result in water con-
tamination. Do not allow waste
oil and anti -freeze to drain on
the soil. Instead dispose of
used oils, filters, and parts
responsibly — pack it out.
Surfacing can double the con-
struction cost of a forest road.
However, gravel roads provide
water quality protection because
soil is covered with a more
weather resistant surface.
Therefore, erosion is reduced
and the operating season may
be extended.
Burning can be used to
dispose of root wads, slash
and vegetative debris during
road construction.To pre-
vent contamination of water,
locate burning areas away
from water sources.
9
ROADS
Drainage from
Road Surface
• Vary road grades to reduce
concentrated flow in roadside
drainage ditches, culverts, on
fill slopes and road surfaces.
• Provide adequate drainage from the surface of all per-
manent and temporary roads by using outsloped or
crowned roads, drain dips, or insloped roads with cross -
drains. Caution must be used in constructing crowned or
outsloped road profiles. Excessive crown or outslope
may make it impossible to keep trucks on the running
surface during icy and other low traction conditions.
• Space road drainage features so peak runoff on the
road surface or in ditches will not exceed the capacity
of the individual drainage outlets.
• Outsloped Roads: Outsloped roads provide means
of dispersing water in a low-energy flow from the road
surface. Outsloped roads are appropriate when fill slopes
are stable, drainage will not flow directly into stream chan-
nels, and transportation safety considerations can be met.
• Insloped Roads: For insloped roads, plan ditch grad-
ients of generally greater than 2%, but no more than 8%,
to prevent sediment deposition and ditch erosion. The
higher gradients may be suitable for more stable soils
but plan for sufficient culverts, drop structures or armor
ditches. Use the lower gradients for Tess stable soils.
Well-designed forest
roads with changing
road grades, adequate
ditches, and crossdrain
culverts are important
for controlling drainage
and protecting water
quality.
In contrast, the road
drainage problem below
is the result of a plugged
crossdrain culvert and
washed-out catch basin.
Periodic cleaning and
armoring the catch
basin with rock will
prevent this.
A smooth surface is the
key to an effective
outsloped road.
Smoothing and out -
sloping (from cutbank to
outside edge of roadbed)
should be kept current,
so water can drain across
without creating channels
on the road surface.
Insloped roads carry road
surface water to a ditch
along the cutbank.
4% 6%
Ditch gradients of 2 - 6% are
just steep enough to keep collected
waters moving to relief culverts
without carrying excessive sediments.
8%
An 8% ditch gradient
may be too steep for
unstable soils.
• Drain Dips: Properly constructed drain dips can
be an economical method of channeling surface flow
off the road. Construct drain dips deep enough into
the subgrade so that traffic will not obliterate them.
12%
10%
Gradients steeper than 8%
give collected waters too much
momentum and the ability to
carry excessive sediment and
debris for great distances.
A drain dip is a portion
of road sloped to carry
water from the inside
edge to the outside
onto natural ground.
10
Its length and depth must
provide the needed drainage,
but not be a driving hazard.
The cross grade should be
at least 1% greater than the
original road grade.
1%
LEVEL
This erosion leads to filling up
the ditch where the gradient is
too shallow, clogging culvert
inlets and carrying sediments
into streams.
ROADS
■ Design roads for minimal
disruption of drainage
patterns.
• Prevent downslope movement of sediment catch
basins, drop inlets, changes in road grade, headwalls,
or recessed cut slopes.
• Where possible, install ditch relief culverts at the
gradient of the original ground slope; otherwise armor
outlets with rock or anchor downspouts to carry water
safely across the fill slope.
• Skew ditch relief culverts 20 to 30 degrees toward
the inflow from the ditch to improve inlet efficiency.
Protect the upstream end of crossdrain culverts from
plugging.
• Provide energy dissipaters (rock piles, logs, etc.)
where necessary at the downstream end of ditch
relief culverts to reduce the erosion energy of the
emerging water.
• Crossdrains, culverts water bars, dips, and other
drainage structures should not be discharged onto
erodible soils or fill slopes without outfall protection.
• Route road drainage through SMZs, filtration fields,
or other sediment settling structures which are large
enough to accommodate the anticipated volume of
water. Install road drainage features above stream cross-
ings to route discharge into filtration zones before
entering a stream. Runoff should always be diffused
through these filters rather than concentrated so as to
avoid creation of new gullies.
Drop inlets (left photo)
installed at the head of a
ditch relief culvert slow
the flow of water, help
settle -out sediment, and
protect the culvert from
plugging. Rock armored
inlets (right photo)
prevent water from
eroding and undercutting
the culvert and flowing
under the road.
Culvert grade
should be at
least 2% more
than ditch grade
and skewed 30 degrees.
Poor road surface
drainage caused this
fill slope erosion.
One of the most com-
mon road drainage
problems is allowing
ditch drainage to flow
directly into a stream.
Always route ditch
drainage into a filter
(SMZ, slash filter
windrow, etc.) so
sediment can be
removed before water
reaches the stream.
The ditch in the right
photo is a direct route
to the stream. Avoid
such ditch design.
To avoid soil erosion
reduce the outlet speed
of culvert water by
running outlet water over
a bed of energy
dissipaters of rocks or
logs.
Ditch relief culverts
transfer water from a
ditch on the uphill side of
a road, under the grade
and release it onto a
stable area. They prevent
water from crossing the
road surface and
softening the road bed.
Install culverts at a 30
degree angle to enhance
flow. Insure proper slope of
at least five inches in every
ten feet (4%).
Seat the culvert on the
natural slope. Bedding
material should be free of
rock or debris that might
puncture the pipe or carry
water around the culvert.
Cover with soil, avoiding
puncture from large
rocks. Compact soil at
least halfway up the side
to prevent water from
seeping around the
culvert. Rule of thumb
for covering culverts:
minimum of one foot or one-
third the culvert diameter,
whichever is greater. Be
sure outlet end extends
beyond any fill and empties
onto an apron of rock,
gravel, brush, or logs.
11
ROADS
Maintenance
• Maintain erosion control features through periodic
inspection and maintenance, including cleaning dips
and crossdrains, repairing ditches, marking culvert
inlets to aid in location, and clearing debris from cul-
verts. It is advisable to keep small water collection
points drained with a shovel to dry up potential mud
holes and to remove ice dams in drainage ditches
during winter operations.
• Avoid using roads during wet periods if such use
would likely permanently damage the road
drainage features.
Road grading precautions:
• Grade road surfaces only as often as necessary to
maintain a stable running surface and to retain the
original surface drainage.
• Avoid cutting the toe of cut slopes when grading
roads or pulling ditches.
Road surfaces usually have a crown or slope
(inslope or outslope). Vehicle traffic and freezing
and thawing can damage road surfaces and reduce
drainage effectiveness. Grading repairs the drainage
by smoothing surface ruts and potholes. However,
avoid grading sections of road that don't need it.
It creates a source of sediment from the newly
disturbed surface. Raise the blade where grading
is not needed!
Hand, shovel, and chainsaw work are usually all that culvert
maintenance requires. But don't delay! Delay in cleaning a
blocked culvert or ditch can result in a damaged road which
requires costly reconstruction.
Before grading, it may be necessary to
loosen hardened or deep rutted road
surfaces. Ripper shanks on a road grader
are effective. Road repairs should occur
before the wet season. Special attention
is needed on steep slopes or curves
where greater road surface wear occurs.
Grader damage to inside ditch toe slopes
exposes an easily erodible surface and is
a source of sediment. Slow, controlled
grading is often the solution, and it can
also avoid damage to ditches, culverts,
and cutbanks.
Road surfaces can be protected with the
use of water or chemicals. Significant amount
of road surface can be lost as dust. Dust
abatement materials serve to decrease rutting.
However, they can also be pollutants and
caution should be used in their application
near streams or drainages.
12
If grading produces excess
sidecast material, feather it out.
Never sidecast material into streams.
Avoid leaving a berm that channels
water down the road.
Preventive maintenance can reduce the
need for culvert cleaning. In recently
logged areas, floatable debris should be
cleaned from drainage ditches that direct
water to culverts.
ROADS
Traffic control on forest
roads can be an effective
way to reduce road
maintenance costs, and
provide protection of other
forest resources. Traffic
control can include: full
road closure, temporary or
seasonal closure, or road
open but restricted to only
light use. Any degree of
control still requires
inspection for
maintenance needs.
Road Closures
• Upon completion of seasonal operations, the road
surface should be crowned, outsloped, insloped, or
water -barred. Remove berms from the outside edge
where runoff is channeled.
• Leave abandoned roads in a condition that pro-
vides adequate drainage without further maintenance.
Close these roads to traffic; scarify if required and
reseed. if necessary, recontour and provide waterbars
or drain dips.
Complete road closures may appear to be a solution to
continued road maintenance, but they also require the
most preparation. Remember, water still runs on closed
roads. The drainage system of closed roads needs
careful thought and attention (see illustrations below).
•
' ;li 11 , , yr
•
i
� ! • •
'H�-
The unauthorized use of
traffic -controlled roads
continues to be a problem
for forest land owners.
Damage to road surfaces
can occur as easily by a
pickup as it can by a log
truck. Voluntary traffic
control only works if
everyone understands
the reasons why and
agrees to comply.
In many cases, physically
blocking the access to
roads may be necessary.
Gates are used because
they can provide temporary
closure along with quick
access if needed. Alterna-
tives to gates include large
berms or trenches, logs,
stumps, and boulders.To
prevent removal by vandals,
gates and other barriers
need to be well anchored.
For safety reasons, it is
advisable to provide good
visibility and signage for
road closures with adequate
space for turn arounds.
°ROAD
CLOSED
Don't let closed roadways
become streams. When
roads become stream
tributaries, major sediment
pollution can be the result.
Outsloping the surface of
closed roads can avoid this
problem.
0
Bridges may present special problems to
road closures. Unless plans include regular
inspections of abutments for erosion and
other potential problems, it may be best to
remove all bridge structures.
Where regular mainten-
ance of closed roads is
not anticipated, plugged
culverts will present ero-
sion problems. Removing
culverts and waterbarring
may be a better solution
to diverting water on
abandoned roads. Space
waterbars more closely in
areas that are more likely
to erode (see page 24).
When removing culverts,
stockpile earth from the
removal in a safe place
where it can be recovered
and won't erode. Reshape
banks to a stable slope.
If the decision is to
remove bridges and pull
all culverts, it is also
necessary to restore all
drainage features to their
natural condition.This
includes reseeding the
road surface and all cut
and fill slopes.
13
STREAMSIDE
MANAGEMENT ZONE
The SMZ is a recommended 50 -foot minimum
slope distance from a stream, lake, wetland area
or other water body that must be protected
because of its special importance.
What is an SMZ?
The function of an SMZ is
to protect water quality
along streams, lakes, and
other water bodies by
maintaining a natural
sediment filter. The
riparian area "green zone"
around streams, lakes,
reservoirs, springs, and
seeps represents an area
that stays green long
into the summer months.
Riparian areas usually
have wet soils, high water
tables, and can be identi-
fied by the presence of
water -loving plants such
as alder, willow, and
cottonwoods. Recog-
nizing these areas and
knowing where they are
in the forest will make
protecting water quality
with an SMZ much easier.
Class I
Stream
Width of the riparian
area fluctuates along
the streambank.
RIPARIAN
•
AREA..
41/Ii
(Sp O,),
A 50 -foot -wide both sides of the stream p on wee "/200
is the minimum recommended
by the Colorado State Forest
Service and the Colorado Timber
Industry Association for an SMZ.
Even when the riparian area is
narrow, the SMZ should be 50 feet.
14
The 50 -foot minimum SMZ
often extends beyond the
riparian area "green zone."
This is important when
slopes near streams are
steep and soils are unstable,
or when the riparian area is
narrower than 50 feet.
Details concerning identifi-
cation of a stream, how to
mark an SMZ, and when
the SMZ should be more
than the minimum are
covered on page 18.
SMZ extends beyond the
50 -foot recommended
minimum where there are
steep slopes or erodible soils.
Riparian vegetation adjacent
to this stream provides
important shade.This helps
maintain stream temperature.
The forest harvesting
scene on the next page
presents some of the
decisions facing loggers
and forest landowners.
Some decisions were made
correctly. Others were not.
(See captions.) Proper on -
the -ground application of
BMPs requires practice,
personal, and often,
professional judgment.
Inadequate SMZ for this stream because the riparian area extends
beyond the recommended 50 foot minimum
Legal
Requirements
In some cases it is
necessary to secure certain
permits prior to altering a
stream channel or wet area.
Compliance with Section
404 of the Clean Water Act
is necessary if the activity
has the potential to impact
any water area considered
"waters of the U.S" Only
consultation with the
appropriate agency will
determine the actual need
for a 404 permit. The conse-
quences for operation with-
out a permit, if needed,
could be significant,
including work stoppage
and possible monetary fines.
The landowner and/or
operator should consult with
their local U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers regarding 404
permit information.
Photo above - Highly visible
markers such as these are
recommended to help
delineate the 50 -foot mini-
mum SMZ. When wet areas
next to streams extend
beyond 50 feet, the SMZ
should reach out 50 feet
beyond to protect their
integrity. Watch for water -
loving plants that indicate the
extent of the riparian zone.
Equipment operation within
an SMZ compacts moist soils
and damages vegetation,
limiting their water filtering
abilities.
"Clearcutting" to the
stream edge should
not be done.
Even though some dead
trees are left standing, they are
important when, over time, they
fall across the stream and create
pools. Leave live trees in the
SMZ, too.
Even streams narrower than
one foot wide should have a
50 -foot minimum SMZ.
® Leaving green slash in the
stream reduces oxygen in the
water and blocks fish access.
Benefits of SMZs
The SMZ acts as an effective filter
and retention zone for sediment.
1. The SMZ, with its thick plant
growth creates a mat of
decomposing material on top
of the soil. It is often damp
because the water table is at
or near the soil surface. The
topsoil, covered with organic
material, aids in conserving
moisture. The sponge -like
qualities of the SMZ control the
quantity of water flowing into the
streams. Soils in this area
absorb water during the wet
seasons and slowly release
moisture into the stream. This
minimizes the effects of peak
runoff and keeps streams from
drying out sooner than usual.
2. The SMZ provides filtering
of surface runoff. SMZs
act as a trap, blocking
sediment and other debris
from entering the stream,
lake, or reservoir. It catches
and holds sediment in the mat
of plants and duff. When this
last line of defense isn't
working, sediment ends up in
the stream, causing water
quality problems, loss of
habitat and potential flooding.
Since logging activity occurs
in many of Colorado's
watersheds, it is important
that water quality is
protected by a healthy SMZ.
Healthy SMZs control the
amount and quality of water
coming from a watershed.
We all depend on sediment -
free water for household use,
irrigation, and healthy fisheries.
v
Avoid harvesting streambank
trees. Such trees provide bank
stability during peak runoff and
offer shade which helps hold water
temperature more constant.
This thick, spongy SMZ carpet
is the last line of defense,
protecting stream water.
15
STREAMSIDE
MANAGEMENT
The SMZ maintains shade; conserves
aquatic and terrestrial riparian habitats;
protects the stream channel and banks;
and promotes flood plain stability.
An adequate SMZ protects the
absorptive and filtering action
of the riparian area. The
absorbent mat of forest
humus, litter, and duff helps to
trap sediment before it
reaches the stream, ensuring
good water quality.
What's wrong with
sediment in the streams?
Trout and other fish reproduce
by burying their eggs in
stream -bottom gravel. The
eggs develop in the gravel
and hatch into "sac fry."
When the yolk is absorbed,
the young fish emerge from
the gravel.
Sac fry and young fish can be
choked by sediment. When
too much sediment falls to the
stream bottom it fills the gaps
between the gravel and
suffocates the eggs and fish.
The stream bed becomes
cemented over. This tomb of
sediment traps the young fish
without clean water, oxygen,
or food. For those fish that
survive, the sediment has an
abrasive effect on their
sensitive gill tissue.
16
Sediment also kills aquatic
insects and algae, fills in
resting pools, interferes
with recreation, reduces light
penetration, and increases
thermal energy absorption.
Sport fishing is enjoyed by
thousands of Coloradans,
and generates substantial
revenues for the state.
Fish losses due to timber
harvesting activities can be
minimized with healthy SMZs.
Other SMZ Benefits:
SMZ's and stream shade.
Maintaining water
temperatures helps fish
spawning. Without trees and
overhanging shrubs, stream
temperatures would be higher
in the summer and colder in
the winter. Some fish species
and aquatic organisms would
then be unable to live in the
streams. In the summer, cold
water from shaded streams
eventually flows into larger
rivers and helps maintain their
fish and aquatic life by
keeping these waters cool all
the way downstream.
SMZs and food.
Leaves and insects drop into
streams from overhanging
trees and shrubs. In fact, 90%
of the food in forested streams
comes from bordering vegetation.
Even in large rivers, over 50%
of the food consumed by fish
is from streamside trees and
other vegetation.
SMZs protect streambanks.
Many streambanks are
stabilized by shrubs and
trees. They anchor banks
and prevent erosion during
periods of high water.
Removing trees and shrubs
and substituting shallow -
rooted grasses can lead) to
streambank collapse and
stream sedimentation.
SMZs and floods.
Healthy SMZs stabilize
floodplains. During times of
high water, SMZs reduce the
velocity of floodgates. Their
dense vegetation and deep
humus slow down racing
waters. Forest flood plains
suffer less damage when
SMZs are protected during
logging activities.
Bank tree roots also supply
important cover for fish.
Bank overhang is created by stream
flows undercutting the stream bank
and tree roots. Fish can rest, hide
from predators, and feed in these
naturally occurring protected areas.
Hundreds of animals and
birds rely on SMZs.
In the Rockies, 59% of the
land birds use SMZs for
breeding. Of those birds,
39% can breed only in SMZs.
Others hunt in healthy SMZs
where food and cover are
abundant. The reason is that
SMZs supply a great variety of
plants needed by birds and
other wildlife. Grasses, shrubs,
vines and trees, all grow well
in the moist fertile soil. Turtles,
beaver, muskrats and water
snakes thrive in SMZs. Deer,
wood duck, and bear feed and
seek cover in the thick vegeta-
tion. Eagles, owls, and song-
birds occupy the trees. Pools
supply breeding sites for
frogs, toads and insects.
SMZs are also well -traveled
wildlife corridors connecting
one area with another.
SMZs and humans.
We like SMZs too for a lot of
reasons. The recreational
activities that we enjoy in and
around streams are many.
The financial value of healthy
SMZs to the people of Colorado
is sizeable. All of us should be
careful when we are in and
around them.
SMZs and timber
production.
For those who grow and
harvest trees, the fact is that
trees often grow best in
riparian areas. Trees respond
to those deep, fertile and
moist soils. SMZs are not
timber harvest "keep out"
zones. But they are locations
where timber harvesting
activities must be modified to
protect the many benefits
mentioned above.
17
ROADS
SMZ Boundaries
• Designate streamside management zones to provide
stream shading, soil stabilization, sediment and water
filtering effects, and wildlife habitat.
• "Stream" means a natural water course of
perceptible extent with defined beds or banks which
confine and conduct continuously or intermittently
flowing water.
• Defined beds have a sandy or rocky bottom which
results from the scouring action of water flow.
• The SMZ encompasses a strip at least 50 feet wide
on each side of a stream, measured from the ordinary
(yearly average) high-water mark or definable bank.
• The width of the SMZ extends beyond the 50 foot
suggested minimum to include riparian areas along the
stream bottom and to provide additional protection in
areas of steep slopes or erodible soils.
• Consult with forestry professionals, soil and water
conservation specialists, or biologists if assistance is
needed in setting appropriate SMZ boundaries.
Setting SMZ Boundaries
To be sure equipment
operators have no question
about the SMZ boundary, it
should be clearly marked.
Plastic flagging, degradable
paint, or signs should be
used at frequent intervals.
A walk through may also
be appropriate before
operations commence.
The purpose of marking an
SMZ is to be sure everyone
working around a stream,
lake or other body of water
knows the extent of the
protected area.
What is a stream?
A stream can be identified in
one of two ways. A stream
must have a sandy or gravel
bottom, which is the result of
flowing water. Or a stream
must have definite banks
that restrict water.
18
Is this a stream?
No. There is no rocky bottom or
identifiable banks. But this is an
ephemeral area, part of the
watershed collection system,
that may carry water during high
flows. Disturbed soils in these
areas can create sediment (see
page 2). Care should be taken
when logging.
•
Perennial streams are easy
to identify. Intermittent
streams can be more difficult
to identify during dry periods.
Whether wet or dry, perennial
or intermittent, during
drought or wet years,
streams should be protected
with an SMZ.
1 CLASS I
f STREAM
fi—(50 Feet) -
•
•
•
•
• Steep slope
.. indicated by
close contour
0 lines calls
for wider
SMZ.
•
•
•
•
One reason for a wider SMZ
is when a riparian area lies
adjacent to a stream. Individ-
uals must be aware of wet-
lands by watching for water
4 loving plants. In these cases,
the SMZ should loop out to
qi include any wetlands and
provide protection. Proper
SMZ location requires prac-
tice and personal judgement.
What is a
riparian area?
Riparian areas are sites near
banks or natural watercourses,
lakes and ponds where water
loving vegetation may be
found. These areas should be
included within the SMZ.
•
•
—(50 Feet) —8
0
•
The SMZ extends beyond they;
50 foot suggested minimum
when steep or erodible soils it;
border the stream corridor. 10
The steeper the slope, the f
wider the SMZ. Erodible soils
can be difficult to judge. If
you suspect or need help
determining erodible soils in
SMZs, ask a forester or soil
specialist.
•
W! 77_ANL)
RIPARIAN _ •
i
AREA
WETLAND
Pc'5�
Gti
S'1'REAMSIDE
MANAGEMENT
Harvest Activities
Consider the following practices when harvesting
timber in the Streamside Management Zone.
The SMZ is not a "keep
out" zone. But because
of its values, timber
harvesting in the SMZ
should be done with
special care.
Trees are
important to a
healthy SMZ.
• Leave the following
adjacent to streams: hard-
woods, unmerchantable
conifers and shrubs.
Merchantable trees must
also be left where there is
insufficient other vegeta-
tion to adequately
stabilize stream banks.
Protect SMZs
• Maintain or provide
sufficient ground cover
to trap sediment.
SMZ vegetation works as a
filter to keep sediment from
reaching the stream. If dis-
turbed during harvesting, it
cannot do the job. Skidder
and tractor operators should
stay out of SMZs.
Harvesting in
the SMZ
Especially important are
streambank trees and
shrubs. They anchor the
bank, shade the stream,
provide food, supply
cover for fish and
habitat for birds and
other wildlife.
Leave snags, and
unmerchantable
trees in SMZs. They
are habitat for many
birds and animals.
• Suspend the lead end of
the log during skidding
whenever possible, and
use cables to end the line logs
out of SMZs and wetlands
when ground skidding
systems are employed.
Logs should be fully
suspended when skyline
skidding across a stream
and immediately above
streamhankc
Directional falling and/
or mechanical feller-
bunchers allow removal
of some SMZ trees with-
out damaging the SMZ.
• Whole -tree or tree -
length yarding can reduce
the need for slash disposal
in the SMZ.
Site preparation
near SMZs
• Steep slopes containing
material that could roll
down-slope and fall into a
stream during controlled
burning should receive
special attention.
• Protect the SMZ with a
slash free strip along the
border.
• High stumps along the
SMZ border keep debris
from rolling down steep
slopes and reaching the
stream.
• Use directional fall-
ing for harvest opera-
tions in the SMZ or
wetlands. Avoid falling
trees in streams or
water bodies. Limb or
top trees above the
high-water mark.
Keep slash out of water
bodies by removing
limbs and tops well
above the stream high-
water mark. Rotting
slash uses up oxygen,
robbing it from fish and
other aquatic animals.
Eventually, bank trees
fall across the stream,
helping to create a stair-
step of pools in the
stream channel, pro-
viding an essential fish
habitat component.
The larger the bank
trees, the better.
0.
• Retain trees necessary
for bank stabilization and
as a future source of large
woody debris to the stream
channel and habitat for
cavity nesting birds and
other snag inhabitants. 19
STREAMSIDE
MANAGEMENT
Conifer
Regeneration
• Recognize that in some soil and drainage types, clearcutting can
cause marked increases in the water table, cold -air ponding and
grass/shrub competition. All of these factors can inhibit conifer
regeneration.
• To avoid potential regeneration problems, leave some mature
trees.
Trees act as a buffer. Except for times of extreme
precipitation and runoff, trees help maintain the normal
water table along streams. They are like wicks, pumping
water from the soil and releasing it onto the air through
leaves and needles (transpiration). Of course some soil
moisture seeps (percolates) underground, slowly
reaching the stream channel.
PRECIPITATION
EVAPORATION
A
PTI
ILII:; n )N
PERCOLATION mlo the sod..*rnil
10 the water table and stream
NORMAL HIGH WATER TABLE
Below is the same drainage after hillside trees are harvested.
The "wicks" have been removed, transpiration is reduced and
percolation is increased, at least until vegetation recovers.
TRANSPIRATION
EVAPORATION
TRANSPIRATION
M1
PERCOLATION
WATER (ABLE
NORMAL HIGH WATER TABLE
To avoid the following consequences, always leave
some mature trees in the SMZ.
1. Removing trees can lead to cold -air ponding.This
extends winter's cold temperatures into early spring
and hinders conifer regeneration in the SMZ.
2. Removing trees can raise the streamside water table
which may create soil moisture conditions adverse
to conifer regeneration.
20
WILDFIRE
Firelines And
Roads
• Stabilize all areas that have significantly
increased erosion potential or drainage
patterns altered by suppression activities.
• Treatments for damage include but are not limited to:
A. Installing waterbars and other drainage diversions in fire
roads, fire lines and other clear areas.
B. Seeding, planting and fertilization to provide vegetative
cover.
C. Spreading slash or mulch to protect bare soil.
D. Repairing damaged road -drainage facilities.
E. Clearing stream channels of debris deposited by
excessively burned soils.
F. Scarification may be necessary to encourage percolation
on excessively burned soils.
Fire Camps
• Protect surface and sub -surface water resources from nutrients,
bacteria and chemical associated with solid waste and sewage
disposal.
• Fire camps, spike camps and logging camps may cause adverse
effects if care is not taken to properly design and locate sewage
facilities and wastewater disposal facilities.
• Garbage and other solid waste is also a concern and these materials
should be disposed of at a properly designated, operated and
permitted landfill.
Reclamation
• Minimize soil and site productivity loss, threats to life and
property and deterioration of water quality both on and off site by:
A. Seedling grasses or other vegetation to provide a protective
cover as soon as possible.
B. Fertilizing
C. Fencing to protect new vegetation
D. Clearing debris from stream channels
E. Constructing channel -stabilization structures and debris -
retention structures.
TIMBER
HARVESTING
TIMBER
HARVESTING
Harvest Design
• Use the logging system that best fits the topog-
raphy, soil type, and season, while minimizing
soil disturbance and economically accomplishing
silvicultural objectives.
Analyze the effects of harvesting
on the watershed.
Protect wildlife habitat.
Plan for a new forest.
Timber harvest planning
is more than deciding how
to cut trees. The harvest
design must consider the
long-term effects of
harvesting on increasingly
important resources.
Watershed
analysis.
What are the effects of this
harvest when combined
with other activities in the
same watershed? Will there
be a combined detrimental
effect on water yield and
sediment? Work with
neighboring landowners
to maximize everyone's
opportunities while protect-
ing the watershed.
What are the potential
effects of the harvest on
water quality?
Soil erosion hazard: Some
soils are more prone to
erosion or slumping. Help is
available to identify erosion
and slumping hazards.
Rainfall: its seasonal
pattern and total amount.
Topography: Where are
slopes, drainages, streams,
and other physical features
located? Are there critical
areas that will require
special attention?
Wildlife habitat
protection.
How will the harvest affect
wildlife habitat? Eliminating
elk habitat, for example, may
displace elk use of the area.
Plan for a
new forest.
Are there other plants, in
addition to trees, that
indicate special precautions
about the harvest area?
What kind of forest will be
grown after the harvest and
how quickly will the site be
reforested?
Trees left for future
harvest rnust be of
sufficient vigor and
acceptable species to
ensure continuous
growing and harvesting.
They must also be
protected from damage,
to enhance their survival
and growth.
Characteristics of the harvest site — in
particular, terrain — influence the choice of a logging
system. On gentle terrain, tractors and skidders, or
even horses, are a logical choice. In Colorado forests,
ground based skidding equipment is common.
Left: Whatever the
harvest system —
skidders or skyline —
skilled operators are
crucial.
Below: Feller-bunchers
are mechanical harvesters
that move through the
forest and harvest trees
and pile them in bunches.
They can reach into
sensitive areas and thin
individual trees with
minimal damage to
remaining trees, water,
soil, or wildlife habitat.
Above: Slide -boom delimbers begin the manufac-
turing process right in the forest. They quickly snip
off the branches and cut the stem into exact lengths.
Skyline and cable harvesting (below) are used on
steep slopes where ground-based equipment cannot
operate. These machines
are capable of reaching
out a quarter mile, lifting
logs off the ground and
moving them to a landing
where they are hauled
away.
Whatever the chosen
harvest system, it must
protect the long-term
resource values of the forest.
21
TIMBER
HARVESTING
• Use the economically feasible
yarding system that will
minimize road densities.
• Consider the potential
for erosion and possible
alternative yarding
systems prior to
planning tractor
skidding on steep
or unstable slopes.
The logging road
follows the contour,
skirting around the top of
the canyon and crossing
the intermittent stream which
drains into the perennial
canyon stream.
Marked along the road are
the proposed landings
designed to accommodate
the skyline machine
pictured above.
The perennial stream
draining this portion of the
watershed is surrounded
by a steep canyon.
WETLAND
The topographic map
(above) indicates steep
terrain. A skyline
harvest system is a good
choice. This system
eliminates the need for
skid trails because the
logs are moved to the
landing by an aerial
cable (skyline). By
suspending logs in the
air, skyline systems
reduce soil disturbance.
This harvest system is
more expensive than
ground skidding, but is
used where long, steep
slopes are common.
When harvesting is
completed, skyline
harvest areas are easily
recognized by the
skyline corridors. Once
the timber is removed
the area can be
regenerated and a new
forest is free to grow.
22
The forest land pictured
in the topographic maps
above is the same land
pictured on page 7. Here,
it is used to illustrate timber
harvesting BMPs. Looking
back at the map on page 7,
you can see the steep
canyon pictured above and
in the mountain top bench
shown on the topographic
map on the next page.
The contour lines indicate
the contrast between the
two locations. Terrain
differences like this call for
harvest techniques that
consider the potential for
erosion and its impact on
water quality.
A small skyline harvesting
system is planned for the
steep canyon above. A
perennial stream runs
down the canyon and
drains into a wetland at the
toe of the slope. The
skyline will operate from
the road, using an overhead
cable to reach down the
hillside and pull suspended
logs up to the road (dotted
e a
0 el�A A skidding
ea corridor run
down the harvest
e e unit boundary pro-
duces an effective
0 fire break.
SKYLINE Logging Unit
(from road layout on page 7)
lines indicate the planned
cable settings). Log
landings are planned
along the road. These
small landings reduce
the need for extensive
excavation to carve out
flat areas to pile logs.
Notice that the harvest
plan shows the boundary
of the SMZ along the
perennial stream, and
includes the wetland at the
toe of the hillside. The small
skyline makes it possible to
harvest timber in the SMZ
without disturbing the soil.
Individual trees can be
removed from the SMZ
without the risk of damage
to water quality.
When the terrain is more
gentle, like that shown in
the topographic map on
the next page, other
harvesting options are
available. The harvest
plan for this mountain
bench calls for ground-
based skidding equipment,
pictured in the far right
photo. The slope is less
than 30% and well suited
to skidding equipment. A
temporary access road
(dashed line) is planned to
come off the main haul road.
It skirts around the outer
edge of the bench and allows
downhill skidding to the
marked log landings along
the road.
Designated skid trails are
planned for this unit (dotted
lines on the map). Pre -
planned skid trails limit soil
disturbance and potential soil
compaction. They should also
be designated to avoid natural
drainage areas. Skidding
equipment is limited to
these designated trails
rather than "go -anywhere"
trails (see diagram, page
23). Try to confine the
area covered by skid trails
and landings to less than
15% of the total unit.
Regardless of the harvest
system you choose, being
able to grow the next forest
depends on protecting the
soil.
Never plan log landings
near drainage areas, which
are indicated by v -shaped
contour lines.
SKIDDER Logging Unit
(from road layout on page 7
Poor location of log landing. Logs are being
skidded across drainage.
As much as 40% or
more of any area may
be covered with skid
trails if they are not
planned and marked
in advance.
This may be desirable
in certain situations
such as when attempt-
ing to expose mineral
soil to improve germ-
ination and survival of
tree seedlings or to
disturb aspen root
systems which encour-
ages coppice regen-
eration. However, it is
generally wiser to limit
ground disturbance by
pre -planning skid trails
so as to minimize
erosion potential.
TIMBER
HARVESTING
• Design and locate skid trails and skidding
operations to minimize soil disturbance. Using
designated skid trails is one means of limited site
disturbance and soil compaction.
When designated skid
trails are compared to
"go anywhere" skid
trails, there is little dif-
ference in winching, but
a large difference in the
area covered by skid
trails
Research and field
experience indicate that
designated skid trails
may be only slightly
more expensive, than
"go anywhere" skid
trails.
Right: Planning can
help avoid steep skid
trails on slopes
greater than 30%
with highly erodible
soils. Always install
waterbars (see page
24) on skid trails as
needed.
• Minimize the size and number of landings to
accommodate safe, economical operation.
• Avoid locating landings that require skidding across
drainage bottoms.
• Locate skid trails to avoid concentrating runoff and
provide breaks in grade.
• Locate skid trails and landings away from natural
drainage systems and divert runoff to stable areas.
• Limit the grade of constructed skid trails on
geologically unstable, saturated, highly erodible, or
easily compacted soils to a maximum of 30%.
Use mitigating measures, such as waterbars and
grass seeding, to reduce erosion on skid trails.
23
TIMBER
HARVESTING
• Tractor skid when compaction, displacement and
erosion will be minimized.
• Avoid tractor or wheeled skidding on unstable, wet,
or easily compacted soils and on slopes that exceed
40% unless operation can be conducted without
causing excessive erosion.
• Avoid skidding with the blade lowered.
Forest soils on steep
slopes are often
shallow. Scalping off
the litter layer removes
the soil's protective
cover, leaving it
exposed to erosion.
Don't use the blade as a
brake or to improve
traction for skidders on
steep slopes.
Other Harvesting Activities
Drainage Management
• Stabilize or reclaim landings and temporary roads
on completion of use. Logging slash and other natural
debris may be scattered on them and these disturbed
areas reseeded to grass.
Ditches, waterbars, or outsloping can prevent water
accumulation on landings. Be sure to waterbar skid
trails leading down to landings.
• For each landing, skid trail, or fire trail, provide and
maintain a drainage system to control the dispersal of
water and to prevent sediment from entering streams.
• Install necessary waterbars on tractor skid trails.
Appropriate spacing between bars is determined by
the soil type and slope of the skid trails. Timely
implementation is important.
• When natural revegetation is inadequate to prevent
accelerated erosion before the next growing season,
apply seed or construct waterbars on skid trails,
landings and fire trails. A light ground cover of slash
or mulch will retard erosion.
24
What happens when the
forest litter layer is
scraped off?
> Nutrients for the next
crop of trees are
removed.
> Mineral soil is
exposed to erosion by
rainfall and surface
flow.
> Soil does not retain
moisture as well.
> Ability of the soil to
grow trees is reduced.
> Runoff and sediment
transport increase.
Waterbars divert surface
water from bare soil to areas
where it will not cause erosion.
They should be constructed on
roads, landings, and skid trails
(pictured). Waterbars can be
constructed with a shovel, but
mechanical equipment is most
common. Cut the waterbar into
solid soil, at least eight inches
deep. Shape the berm, parallel to
the cut, at least twelve inches above
the skid trail grade. Construct the
cut downward, but not more than
at a 45 degree angle, so water
runs to the outlet. Be sure the
waterbar is open at the lower
end so water runs out. Water
should flow onto slash, vegetation,
or rocks. When temporary spur
roads are waterbarred, be sure to
connect the waterbar into "cutslope"
to intercept all surface flow.
Suggested Waterbar Intervals for
Different Soils
Recommended Waterbar
Spacing Distance for Roads
and Skid Trails
Grade of
Road or
Trail (5)
2-
5
10
15
20
25+
Unstable Soils
(High Erosion
Hazard)
135'
100'
80'
60'
45'
30'
Stable Soils
(Low Erosion
Hazard)
170'
140'
115'
90'
60'
40'
Intervals in feet.
The question "How
much soil exposure is
enough?" is common
when preparing a site
for a new forest. Clean as
a parking lot (below)
is too much. New
forests need the
nutrients and protection
supplied by logging
slash. Soil compaction
is another problem with
sweeping the forest clean.
TIMBER
HARVESTING
Slash Treatment
and
Site Preparation
• Use brush blades on equipment when piling
slash.
• Scarify the soil only to the extent necessary to
meet the reforestation objective of the site. Site
preparation equipment producing irregular
surfaces is preferred. Care should be taken to
preserve the surface soil horizon.
When you pick up a _
handful of forest soil,
half of it is solid
material. The rest is _ empty pore space that
holds water and air.
Heavy equipment can
squeeze soil pores, reducing the
space for water and air. Since
trees need water and air for
growth, the start of the next forest
can suffer from soil compaction.
Certain soil conditions are
more likely to lead to compaction.
Wet soils are more compactible
than dry. The most severe
compaction occurs within a few
inches of the surface. Unfortunately,
that is where seed germination occurs
and where most of the
water -absorbing tree roots are found.
Reduction of slash to decrease fire
hazard is recommended. In the two
scenes below, one shows acceptable
slash reduction (top); the other is not
acceptable because too much fire
hazard was left.
- Wet soils are
easily compacted
and displaced.
Regeneration of a new forest
may require the removal of some
logging slash. Seed from nearby
trees germinates best in exposed
mineral soil. Surface scarification
activities must expose bare soil for
new seedlings, while avoiding erosion.
The three scenes below show
mechanical scarification; inadequate
(top), acceptable (middle), and
excessive (bottom).
Slash from log
processing
should never be
cast into the
SMZ.
• Low slash and small brush should be left to
slow surface runoff, return soil nutrients, and
provide shade for seedling.
Work around
existing small
trees and low
brush.
0
• Carry out brush piling and scarification when
soils are frozen or dry enough to minimize
compaction and displacement
Stay clear of wet
areas during
scarification.
Results like this
create compac-
tion and water
quality problems.
0
• Carry out scarification on steep
slopes in a manner that minimizes erosion.
Machine -made
ruts on hillside
soils can easily
become
channels for
surface water
erosion.
25
TIMBER
HARVESTING
Broadcast burning can be
used to prepare a site for
a new forest, even on steep
slopes. By carefully mon-
itoring moisture conditions,
a fire can be set that
consumes only part of the
material, leaving the soil
humus and large logs
relatively undisturbed.
Afterwards, the site is
either planted or allowed
to seed -in naturally.
Site preparation
techniques — mechani-
cal or broadcast burning,
are designed to get the
new forest off to a
vigorous start. When
combined with healthy
tree seedlings, either
planted or naturally
seeded, the result is
the next generation forest.
Generally, throughout
Colorado, natural
regeneration provides
more than adequate
restocking of
harvested areas.
26
Reforestation
• Remove all logging machinery refuse to a proper
disposal site (tires, chains, chokers, cable, and
miscellaneous discarded parts).
• Limit water quality impacts of prescribed fire by
constructing waterbars in firelines; not placing
slash in drainage channels; and maintaining the
streamside management zone. Avoid intense fires
unless needed to meet silvicultural goals.
• Broadcast burning and/or approved selective
herbicide application are preferred means for site
preparation, especially on slopes greater than 40%.
Herbicide and insecticide use requires special training
and state licensing of applicators. For additional
information contact the Colorado Department of
Agriculture.
• Rapid reforestation of harvested areas is encour-
aged to re-establish protective vegetation.
TIMBER
HARVESTING
Winter Activities
Winter Harvesting Considerations
Colorado's winter freeze-up brings
the opportunity for low impact
logging. With proper precautions,
even work in sensitive areas can be
done without affecting water quality.
This is often the best time to log
these sites.
Consider snow -road construction and winter harvest-
ing when logging sites that are characterized by wet
meadows, high-water tables, sensitive riparian conditions
or other potentially significant soil erosion and compaction
hazards.
• Consult with operators experienced in winter logging
techniques.
• Conduct winter logging operations when the ground is
frozen or snow cover is adequate (generally more than one
foot) to minimize site disturbance.
• Before logging, mark existing culvert locations. During
and after logging, make sure that all culverts and ditches
are functional.
• Prior to felling in wet unfrozen soil areas, use tractors
or skidders to compact the snow for skid trail locations.
Avoid steeper areas where frozen skid trails may be
subject to erosion the next spring.
• Do not leave slash and tops in streams.
• Be prepared to suspend operations if conditions change
rapidly and when the erosion hazard becomes high.
• Return the following summer and build erosion barriers
on any trails that are steep enough to erode.
Trying to rely on memory can be
expensive when it comes to
maintaining culverts. Mark them
before the snow falls to avoid
logging activity damage.
SMZs can be totally obscured
by heavy snow. Avoid confusion
by marking boundaries ahead of
the first snow.
Compact skid trail snow before
skidding Iogs.This avoids
damage to soils that are still wet
or not completely frozen.
Winter thaws can happen
quickly. Don't take chances
with soil disturbance and
possible erosion. Expect to
shut -down temporarily.
Waterbar all skid trails prior
to spring runoff. If prohibited
by frozen ground, install
waterbars during dry summer
months. Temporary erosion
control barriers consisting of
slash can be used until
waterbars are installed.
27
TIMBER
HARVESTING
Road and Drainage Considerations
For road systems across areas of poor foundation,
consider hauling only during frozen periods.
• During cold weather, plow any snow cover off of the
roadway to facilitate deep freezing of the road grade prior
to hauling. Use compacted snow for road beds in
unroaded, wet or sensitive sites. Construct snow roads for
single-entry harvests or for temporary roads.
• Following completion of snow road use, restore
stream crossings to near pre -road conditions to prevent
ice dams. Do not use the stream channel for the roadway
except for crossings. Water -bars placed on winter roads
just above drainage crossings will divert snowmelt onto
vegetative filters instead of directly entering streamcourses.
• Be prepared to suspend operations if conditions change
rapidly and when the erosion hazard becomes high.
To provide a winter road grade capable
of heavy hauling, always remove snow
cover. Deep-frozen road surfaces have
tremendous strength. Don't let snow
cover insulate and weaken the road —
plow during cold weather.
This is an inadequate job of
restoring a temporary snow
road stream crossing.This work
should be completed before stream
flows begin. In addition to the streambed,
it appears that stream bank and SMZ
damage is occurring.
• When plowing snow for winter timber
harvest, prior to spring breakup, provide
breaks in snow berm to allow road drainage.
28
Road surfaces deteriorate rapidly
under heavy hauling and thawing
temperatures.This road surface is
starting to break up. Hauling should be
suspended, or limited to colder por-
tions of the day.
Snow berm breaks allow for spring
drainage without damaging the road
surface.
HAZARDOUS
SUBSTANCES
HAZARDOUS
SUBSTANCES
• Know and comply with regulations governing the
storage, handling, application (including licensing of
applicators), and disposal of hazardous substances.
Pesticide use requires special training and state
licensing of applicators. For additional information
contact the Colorado Department of Agriculture.
• Reduce or eliminate possible adverse effects on
water quality by proper handling and application of
fertilizers.
• Prevent water contamination and risk
to humans and aquatic life from clean-
ing and disposal of pesticide containers.
• Cleaning and disposal of
containers and equipment
must follow federal, state,
and local laws. Records
should document how and
where containers are disposed.
Improper storage and
handling of oil products
and fuel can be a water -
quality hazard. Locate
facilities away from
riparian areas. Be
prepared to clean
up spills.
r
Improper disposal of oil
or fuel can contaminate
ground water and seep
into streams.
•
Dispose of containers,
cartridges, filters, used
oil and other refuse
responsibly. Leaving a
positive image after any
forest activity. Leave a
trash -free forest.
Pesticides and Fertilizers
• To prevent the entry of hazardous substances
into surface waters:
A. An adequate vegetative buffer zone is needed to
insure that the chemicals are not sprayed, or
drained into any surface water either directly or
carried by water runoff. Generally, a buffer area
of at least 150 feet wide is recommended for
most applications.
B. If aerial application of pesticide is required,
check the label for restrictions on aerial
application.
C. A spill contingency plan to handle accidental
spills, including clean up, should be developed.
D. Always refer to chemical label instructions for
additional guidance on use near water and
required buffer zones.
• To enhance effectiveness and prevent transport
into streams, apply chemicals during appropriate
weather conditions (generally calm and dry) and
during the optimum time for control of the target
pest or weed.
Knowledge and
use of biological
controls in the
forest will increase.
Insect lures and
pheromone traps
(illustrated) are
new ways to
control pests.
i
/
Whether applied by aircraft,
power -spray equipment, or
backpack sprayer, chemical
pesticides can be used
safely when applicators
comply with strict regulations.
29
STREAM
CROSSINGS
STREAM
CROSSINGS
Legal
Requirements
■ In some cases it is necessary to secure certain
permits prior to altering a stream channel.
Compliance with Section 404 of the Clean Water
Act is necessary if the activity has the potential to
impact any water area considered "waters of the
U.S" Only consultation with the appropriate
agency will determine the actual need for a 404
permit. The consequences for operating without a
permit, if needed, could be significant, including
work stoppage and possible monetary fines. The
landowner and/or operator should consult with
their local U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
regarding 404 permit information.
Concrete planks, fastened together
and stretched across the streambed,
provide an improved ford crossings.
Streams can be crossed with
culverts, bridges or fords. Culverts
are the most common stream
crossing structure. Bridges are
best for large streams and areas
plagued with floatable debris
problems. Bridges also have less
effect on fisheries than other
methods. Fords are less desirable
because of continued disturbance
to the stream bed. Choice of the
stream crossing method depends
on the following:
Stream size
Cost of construction and
maintenance
Amount of road use and years of
use
How the road approach lies with
respect to the stream
Soil foundation conditions
Available equipment and materials
Applicable permit requirements
A wrong choice of stream crossing
method or improper sizing can result
in major damage to both the immediate
site and down -stream water uses.
Limited traffic on this improved ford
crossing has minimal impact on the
streambed and on sediment
production.
30
Even heavy equipment
can utilize stream
crossings with only
limited sedimentation
if approaches are
designed properly.
Avoid allowing a ditch
to drain into a stream.
Drain road ditches into
a vegetated area far
enough from the stream
that there is no chance
of ditch sediment
reaching the stream
channel.
zoo\
ease
gp{e .
.46
0#'
/ y�lV)
STREAM
CROSSINGS
Design
Considerations
• Design stream crossing for adequate passage of fish,
minimum impact on water quality and to handle peak
runoff and flood waters.
• Cross streams at right angles to the main channel
if practical.
• Culverts must be adequately sized for the applica-
tion. For most applications use culverts with a mini-
mum diameter of 18 inches for permanent stream
crossings and cross drains.
• Adjust the road grade to reduce the concentration of
water carried by drainage ditches to stream crossings.
• Direct drainage flows through an SMZ and away
from the stream crossing site.
• Avoid unimproved stream crossings. When a culvert
or bridge is not feasible, locate drive-throughs on a
stable, rocky portion of the stream channel.
When short-term access to
forest land is cut off by a stream,
portable bridges are one solution.
They offer the flexibility of con-
venience and relatively low cost.
A timber harvest or other forest
activity can be carried out over a
short period of time and the crossing
easily restored to its original condition.
This railroad car portable bridge
provided access to an eight acre sale.
An appropriate crossing, approximately
ten feet wide, with firm soil banks,
level grade, and requiring minimal
vegetation clearing, was selected.
The twenty -foot -long bridge was
hauled into place with a flatbed truck,
stretched across the stream and set
into place in one day. Cribbing for
the bridge consisted of ten -foot -long
timbers laid on the ground approxi-
mately four feet away from the
bank. A small crawler tractor
finished the installation by building
the road approaches to the bridge.
This durable bridge crossing was
used over a three-week period.
Approximately twenty-five
80,000 Ib. log truck loads were
hauled across it. When the harvest
was completed, all logging and skid
trail roads were restored and the
temporary bridge removed.
Railroad flatcars can provide a low
cost alternative to conventional bridge
construction.
/
Allowing ditch culverts
to drain into a stream is
not good practice.
Culvert drainage should
be directed through a
vegetative filter before
reaching the stream.
Stream crossings
should be installed at
t right angles to the
channel. /
31
STREAM
CROSSINGS
Installation of
Stream Crossings
• Minimize stream channel disturbances and
related sediment problems during construction
of road and installation of stream crossing structures.
• Time construction activities to protect fisheries
and water quality.
• Do not place erodible material into stream channels.
Remove stockpiled material from high water zones.
• Locate temporary construction bypass roads in
locations where the stream course will have minimal
disturbance.
• When using culverts to cross small streams, install
those culverts to conform to the natural stream bed and
slope on all streams that support fish.
• Place culverts slightly below normal stream grade to
avoid culvert outfall barriers. Do not alter stream
channels upstream from culverts, unless necessary to
protect fill or to prevent culvert blockage.
• Install culverts to prevent erosion of fill. Compact
the fill material to prevent seepage and failure. Armor
the inlet and/or outlet with rock or other suitable
material where needed.
• Consider dewatering stream crossing sites during
culvert installation.
• Use one foot minimum cover for culverts 18 to 36
inches in diameter, and a cover of one-third diameter for
larger culverts to prevent crushing by traffic.
Construction of stream crossings
has the greatest potential to
cause immediate sediment
pollution. Complete the work as
fast as possible during a time of
year when the least damage can
occur.This photo sequence
shows a typical culvert
installation.
The temporary channel in the
foreground carries stream water.
The dewatered stream channel is
being cleared for the culvert.
The culvert foundation and trench
walls must be free of logs, stumps,
limbs, or rocks that could damage
the pipe.
The culvert bed is graded to the
appropriate slope to conform with
the natural stream bed.The bed
is either rock -free soil or gravel.
Bedding should provide even
distribution of the load over the
length of the pipe.
Alignment is critical for the
culvert to function properly.
Culverts set at an angle to the
channel can cause bank erosion.
Skewed culverts can develop
debris problems. Culvert
alignment must fit the natural
stream channel.
Place culvert slightly below the
natural stream bed. Water should
drop slightly as it enters the
culvert.The natural rock bed of
this stream serves to control
water velocity and protect the
culvert as water enters the inlet.
At least one foot of cover
or one-third of diameter for
larger culverts.
1- 411w
I�� teai
"l "4\'''/llama ''1 `
Water should drop
slightly as it enters
the culvert.
Tamp backfill material
at regular intervals.
Base and sidewall fill
material should be
compacted, finer soil
particles.
32
&
Start to backfill over one end of
the culvert. Then cover the other
end. Backfill material must be
free of limbs, rocks, and other
debris that could dent the pipe or
allow water to seep around the
culvert.
Once the ends are secured by
backfill, the center is covered.
Pour backfill material over the top
of the pipe. This allows finer soil
particles to flow around and under
the culvert sides. Larger particles
roll to the outside. Fine soil
particles close to the culvert
compact more easily.
0
Tamping fill material
throughout the entire
backfill process is
important.The base
and sidewall material
should be compacted
first.This reduces
seepage into the fill.
Both the culvert inlet
and outlet should be
armored. Rocks, logs
or grass seeding can
be used to protect
these locations
against erosion.
When the new culvert is
opened to water, watch
for the need to add
more rock armor. Be
sure that a minimum of
one foot of compacted
soil covers the top of
the culvert.
After checking to be
sure the new culvert is
working, the dewatering
channel is closed.
Road approaches to
the new crossing are
the next phase of
construction.
Layers of fill are pushed
into place and carefully
compacted to build up
and maintain a consis-
tent road grade.
As a final precaution
against sediment enter-
ing the stream, a slash
filter windrow is con-
structed around the
culvert outlet.
The need to safeguard the
future of our water resource is
essential. With the cooperation
of all forest users, and the
application of the information
on these pages, we can protect
the water quality of Colorado's
forest lands.
Please be aware that BMPs
will improve as our knowledge
of the forest increases over time.
Forest managers and timber
industry professionals are
continually developing new
techniques and equipment
to meet different needs.
Thank you for doing your
best to put BMPs to work in
the forest.
33
"Colorado 's forests are essential
to the lifestyles of people in our
state. Forests provide jobs,
recreation, and sources of clean,
high quality water that support
aquatic resources, drinking water
supplies and aesthetic needs.
Stewardship of our forests comes
through education and commit-
ment, not coercion. Everyone
wants to be a good steward by
protecting Colorado's water
quality. This guidance provides the
tools to do a better job."
Greg Parsons,
Watershed Section Manager
Colorado Water Quality
Control Division
"This booklet, and subsequent
training sessions, will benefit the
environment by outlining practices
which will minimize potential
impacts from timber management.
We commend the Colorado Timber
Industry Association for its
initiative to enact these voluntary
practices in Colorado, and look
forward to the opportunity to
support the training sessions and
distribution of the booklets."
Clint Kyle, Chair
Colorado -Wyoming Society
of American Foresters
The Colorado Tree Farm organiza-
tion works to help forest landown-
ers create and/or maintain healthy
and productive forests. Best
Management Practices for
Colorado is one of the best tools
yet produced to supply that kind of
information. It not only provides
clearly written and illustrated
guidelines on how to best carry
out various forest management
practices, it explains why these
guidelines produce superior
results. This publication will be of
great benefit to forest landowners
and the general public because it
will ultimately benefit what they
have in common...one of our
greatest natural resources,
Colorado's forests.
Wes Rutt, Chair
Colorado State Tree Farm
Committee